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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service Graduate Assistant A Graduate Assistant is responsible to efficiently balance graduate class and work schedules. The Assistant fulfills all scheduled and ...

The Graduate Assistant - Athletic Administration at Aquinas College plays a critical support role within the broader athletics department, gaining exposure to the operational, academic, and strategic ...

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Graduate Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$5

$17

$29

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Michigan is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much are grad assistants paid?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with some positions offering stipends ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per semester. Pay rates vary depending on the institution, field of study, and whether the role includes teaching, research, or administrative duties.

What do you do as a grad assistant?

A graduate assistant typically supports academic departments or research projects by assisting with teaching, grading, research, or administrative tasks. They often work part-time, gain experience in their field, and may be required to hold a relevant graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program. The role may involve using specific tools or software related to their responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What is the role of a graduate assistant?

A graduate assistant is a student enrolled in a graduate program who works part-time for a university or college, assisting with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. They often gain experience related to their field of study and may receive a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation.

How hard is it to get a graduate assistantship?

Securing a graduate assistantship typically requires a strong academic record, relevant skills, and a competitive application process that may include interviews and recommendation letters. The difficulty varies by institution, program availability, and the applicant's qualifications, but generally, it is competitive due to limited positions and high demand.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in Michigan? For Graduate Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, and 51% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,449 per year, or $17 per hour.
Graduate Assistant

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Re-posted 14 days ago


Eastern Michigan University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

477th of 546 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Graduate Assistant

Apply now Job no: 495584
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Ypsilanti
Categories: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Title: Graduate Assistant

Employee Classification: GS - Graduate Student - Stipend

Pay Grade: GS 0

Division: Chief Diversity Officer

Subdivision: Center of Race & Ethnicity

Department: Chief Diversity Officer

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

Provide programming and administrative support for the Center of Race & Ethnicity (CORE) within the Office of Access and Opportunity (OAO). Works under the supervision of the CORE Program Coordinator. General responsibilities include event curation; collaborating with CORE and OAO staff to host programs; conducting 1:1s with students participating in CORE programming; facilitating dialogue sessions on topics related to the CORE Mission; and co-coordinating the Multicultural Graduation Celebration in Collaboration with the CORE Coordinator.
The Staff Graduate Assistant receives a stipend and tuition waiver, subject to federal tax.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties:
Collaborate with CORE Coordinator, Student Organizations, EMU affiliates, and outside partners to plan, implement, and evaluate programming for cultural heritage months.
Create, manage, and attend CORE programs as assigned, which may include evenings and weekends. Collect program evaluations and assessments
Assist OAO in developing, coordinating, and facilitating multicultural trainings and presentations for Eastern Michigan University's campus and community affiliates.
Assist in managing the CORE student staff with cultural heritage programming, including weekly and daily task delegation as needed.
Attend OAO Student Trainings and assist with developing and facilitating content for CORE-specific training/professional development.
Collaborate with other OAO Graduate Assistants on Intersectional Programming
Maintain weekly office hours in accordance with your graduate assistantship requirements (20/wk)
Other duties as assigned by Program Coordinator and OAO Director
Supervision exercised:
The general direction of heritage celebration events is coordinated by CORE staff, including the program coordinator, graduate assistant, and the CORE Student Programmers. Responsibilities typically include functions such as planning cultural heritage celebrations, overseeing the organization of the CORE office, and selecting and scheduling Student Programs. This also includes reporting disciplinary behaviors and actions of student staff to the CORE Coordinator.
Supervision Received:
General direction is received from the Program Coordinator of the Center of Race & Ethnicity and the Office of Access and Opportunity. Other professional staff in OAO will step in as necessary.
Availability & Academic Expectations:
Ability to work up to 20 hours per week (10 for 50%) is required.
GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
Admission and enrollment in a graduate program is required.
Maintenance of a 67% course completion is required.
Enrollment in at least 6 credits for Fall and Winter semesters is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience coordinating initiatives that engage and increase retention and degree completion for first-generation students and students of diverse backgrounds.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience working with students of diverse educational, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Marketing, fundraising, and recruitment experience, such as website management, utilizing social media, fundraising campaigns, or other projects aimed at engaging college students.
Considerable knowledge of research or academic initiatives on diversity or social justice including understanding of intersecting identities.
Experience public speaking, including past experience facilitating training, dialogues, and presentations.
Ability to manage and report budget updates to CORE Coordinator.
A positive, adaptable, and collaborative approach to working with diverse students and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications:

Assist with the development and implementation of departmental diversity education programs, conducting workshops that focus on awareness of cultural differences and commonalities, privilege, race, ethnicity, and their intersections across multiple identities.
Serve as a campus resource for multicultural education and training for faculty, administrative offices, academic support programs, and student organizations.
Serve as liaison for recognized student organizations that serve students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
Ability to assist with the identification and development of grant proposals to support departmental activities
Has a positive, adaptable, and collaborative approach to working with diverse students and colleagues.

Special Instructions:

Appointment Percentage:

100%

Advertised: 04 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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