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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Aurora, IL is $19.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Aurora, IL? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Aurora, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Aurora, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Aurora, IL are:
What cities near Aurora, IL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Aurora, IL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Aurora, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,323 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Graduate Assistant, Computer Science and Information Systems

Graduate Assistant, Computer Science and Information Systems

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

$5K/wk

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OVERVIEW

Elmhurst University welcomes applications for a graduate assistantship in the 2026-2027 academic year, which is renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year. This is a student position. Interested applicants will need to submit an application for admission into a degree-granting graduate program at elmhurst.edu/graduatestudies and be accepted before becoming eligible for consideration for a graduate assistant position that correlates with their area of study.

Graduate assistants at Elmhurst University may be hired for a full tuition waiver based on 20 hours of service per week. Graduate assistants also receive a stipend while they are working, paid bi-weekly, in support of their continued education. Graduate assistants participate in their assistantships during the Fall and Spring terms at minimum, and may be required to participate during January and/or Summer terms.
Eligible Graduate Programs: Master’s in Computer Information Technology (MCIT); MS in Data Science and Analytics.

Weekly Hours: 20

Tuition Waiver: Full

Stipend: $5,000 total per academic year, with $2,500 paid between September and December and $2,500 paid between February and May.

Terms: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters; renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year.

ASSISTANTSHIP SUMMARY

The Elmhurst University Department of Computer Science and Information Systems seeks a graduate assistant for the 2026-27 academic year to provide technical support to faculty in their work with MCIT students and undergraduate students. The graduate assistant must have working knowledge of programming, Visual Studio, and IT systems and must be enrolled in a technology master’s program at Elmhurst University. This is a 20 hour per week position during the fall and spring semesters.

Responsibilities

Works with assigned faculty to complete a variety of tasks and projects:

  • Downloads, extracts, and executes code in .zip files containing Visual Studio projects.
  • Evaluates student submissions with metrics provided by the faculty member.
  • Prepares and saves evaluation results for faculty review and feedback to students.

Works also to support the department/department leadership to complete a variety of tasks and projects:

  • Assists with organization of evaluation metrics for curriculum review.
  • Assists with material preparation, as needed, for new courses.
  • Provides technical and research assistance for faculty where needed.

Other Responsibilities

  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Supports the University’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Enrollment in good standing in an Elmhurst University technology master's program during the graduate assistantship.
  • Documented technical knowledge necessary to execute essential functions.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in an indoor setting with limited exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is often sedentary in nature and requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods. Required abilities include speaking and hearing for in-person and virtual communication, using close and distance vision when reading documents or viewing screens, and performing tasks with repetitive fine motor skills. Work may require occasional lifting, bending, carrying, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here.