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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Aquinas College

Graduate Assistant

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

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

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$5

$17

$29

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 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.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
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 job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,449 per year, or $17 per hour.

Graduate Assistant

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Eastern Michigan University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

508th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Graduate Assistant

Apply now Job no: 495552
Work type: Graduate Assistant
Location: Ypsilanti
Categories: Academic & Student Affairs

Title: Graduate Assistant

Employee Classification: GS - Graduate Student - Stipend

Pay Grade: GS 0

Division: Academic and Student Affairs

Subdivision: King Parks College Day

Department: Academic Success Partnerships

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

The Holman Success Center is seeking a GA to support GEAR UP. The GEAR UP program aims to increase the college and career readiness of students by providing academic support, mentoring, and resources to underserved high school students. The Graduate Assistant will work closely with the GEAR UP team to support program activities, assist with student outreach, and contribute to the program's success by fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.
Student Affairs professionals, no matter the functional area, must be knowledgeable and have experience working with a diverse range of students in order to best assist students in their growth and development.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Graduate Assistant for GEAR UP serves in a multi-faceted role, providing proactive outreach and specialized success coaching to the GEAR UP cohort. They also provide academic and personal support to students participating in the GEAR UP program. Assist with one-on-one and group mentoring, addressing student needs and offering guidance on college preparation. Help students with college readiness activities, including application processes, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Assist with the planning and coordination of program events, workshops, and field trips related to college and career readiness. Support the creation and distribution of program materials and resources, including newsletters, flyers, and other communications.
A typical week of work, totaling 20 hours, will include a mixture of office hours and time spent in each of our four partner high schools (Western International High School, Ecorse High School, Lincoln High School, and WIHI). The GEAR UP GA is expected to travel to each of these four schools weekly. While a typical week may include a consistent schedule of office hours and in-school hours, the GEAR UP GA's schedule will include additional attendance expectations and is expected to travel with the students during multi-day college tours/camps during summer (10 total travel days during summer) and during spring break for the high school students (5 days long, usually at the end of March).

Minimum Qualifications:

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write professional emails and create polished documents, excellent organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Successful applicants will have sufficient technological savvy to use our learning management system (Canvas) and online scheduling and note-taking tools. You must have the desire to learn and grow, and to encourage the same in your co-workers.
Cultural competence and a commitment to equity and inclusion are essential to a GA's success in this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of Eastern Michigan University and its policies and student population, previous teaching and/or group facilitation experience. Priority is given to candidates who can commit to 2 consecutive years.

Special Instructions:

A Graduate Assistantship covers Fall and Winter semesters. Eligibility for a GA position includes the following:
You must be registered for at least 6 graduate credit hours each semester
Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses
Show satisfactory progress toward program completion
This 100% position carries a stipend of $10,200 per year with a 20-hour-per-week work commitment. You would also receive a tuition scholarship for up to 18 credit hours per year (9 graduate-level credit hours per semester). Fees are not covered by this award.
Please attach a copy of your resume and 2 professional references to your application. References must include the following details: name, title, email, phone number, relationship (how does this person know you?), and how long you have known this person. References from advisors, professors, and recent supervisors are preferred.
Top candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Appointment Percentage:

100%

Advertised: 05 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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