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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Campus Ministry assistant position exist to provide intentional investment in ministry to athletics and assist University minister in the planning and execution of campus ministry spiritual ...

$12/hr

Andrew Benesh Job Title: MFT Program Graduate Assistant This position is open to preclinical MFT program students on the Macon campus. The work-study student will provide support for the Mercer ...

$12/hr

Andrew Benesh Job Title: MFT Program Graduate Assistant - Atlanta This position is open to one preclinical MFT program student on the Atlanta campus. The work-study student will provide support for ...

Testing Assistant

Columbia, TN · On-site

$29K - $35K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain Testing Services database for appointments and score reporting. * Assist Director of Testing Services in monthly reporting, Testing Services calendar formation, and with annual data ...

Assistant Hydrovac Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join the Badger team as an Assistant Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$5

$17

$30

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Tennessee is $17.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a graduate assistant worth it?

A graduate assistant position provides students with work experience, often includes tuition waivers or stipends, and helps develop skills such as time management and research. However, it typically involves a significant time commitment alongside academic responsibilities, so its value depends on individual career goals and financial needs.

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.

How much money do graduate assistants make?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual stipends ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the institution, field, and whether they are teaching or research assistants. Compensation often includes tuition waivers and benefits, and hours usually range from 10 to 20 per week during the academic year.

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 assistant jobs?

Graduate assistant jobs are positions typically held by graduate students that involve assisting faculty with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These roles often provide a stipend or tuition waiver and require skills relevant to the academic department or field of study.

What is a graduate assistant?

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 does a graduate assistant do?

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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,914 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Graduate Assistant, Student Life

CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY

Lebanon, TN • On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

POSITION TITLE: Graduate Assistant for Student Life
HOURS: 20 hours per week minimum for term of graduate program
SUPERVISOR: Director of Student Life
COMPENSATION: Tuition waiver
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Help maintain Student Affairs Master Calendar with Student Life events and University important dates
  • Assist in the setup, implementation, and tear down of Student Life related events
  • Help Chaperone On Campus Events and specifically help with planning large scale yearly events (Welcome Week, Homecoming Week, Fall Fest, Community Events, Spring Awards/Spring Fling Events, Exam Week, Graduation)
  • Assist with student organization events as needed
  • Help oversee work-study students for the Office of Student Life.
  • Work with other Student Affairs staff members to propose new programming concepts and activities that promote positive student development opportunities
  • Coordinate a Campus Programming Student Group who meets regularly
  • Plan and chaperone various off campus outings (Nashville Sounds, Predators, TPAC)
  • Assist with all Student Life advertising and marketing strategies
  • Help maintain online social media for Student Life Department
  • Assist with daily Campus Newsletter
  • Graphic Design assistance for Student Life events/flyers
  • Design logos as needed for programs or events
  • Photograph events and edit pictures for marketing purposes
  • Serve as extra eyes on campus to help maintain a healthy/safe environment for students
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be accepted to or enrolled in a graduate program at Cumberland University
  • Available to work flexible hours including weekday office hours, weekday night hours, and some weekends according to the calendar of student life events
  • Competence in technology; proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
  • Graphic Design Skills and/or Competence in Graphic Design Programs
  • Some Photography Experience Preferred

DESIRED SKILLS
  • PROMPT AND RELIABLE!!!
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism, as this position will be working faculty, staff, and students
  • Ability to work with a diverse student population
  • Effective organization, communication, and leadership skills
  • Highly motivated and enthusiastic