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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Columbia, IL (NOW HIRING)

Zerorez Inc

Air Duct Assistant - St Louis

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$16/hr

As an Assistant Air Duct Cleaning Technician, you would be assigned to an air duct route each day with 1-3 jobs to perform. You will be assigned a route with a lead technician and you would assist ...

Invest STL

Graduate Fellow

Saint Louis, MO

Collaborate across nonprofit, philanthropic, and community sectors * Assist with outreach and ... current graduate student in good academic standing in a field relevant to Invest STL's work.

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All JobsGraduate JobsGraduate Assistant JobsGraduate Assistant Jobs in Columbia, IL

Graduate Assistant information

See Columbia, IL salary details

$5

$19

$32

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Columbia, IL is $19.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.91 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.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Columbia, IL?

The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Columbia, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Columbia, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Columbia, IL are:

What cities near Columbia, IL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs?

Cities near Columbia, IL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:

Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Columbia, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,788 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Graduate Assistant for Men's and Women's Water Polo

McKendree University

Lebanon, IL • On-site

$350/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary: $350.00 Biweekly
Location : Lebanon, IL
Job Type: Graduate Assistant
Job Number: 202600013
Department: Athletics
Division: Men's Water Polo
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
FLSA: Exempt
McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL and home of the Bearcats, invites qualified applicants to join our team. McKendree University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to influence the future leaders of tomorrow.
The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. To achieve this end we encourage broader vision, enriched purpose, engagement with community, commitment to responsible citizenship, openness to new ideas and dedication to lifelong learning. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curriculum joined with specialization in a specific discipline.
Position Summary and Key Responsibilities
The graduate assistant coach will assist in planning and executing the training for all three teams in and out of the pool. They will also assist the head coach in administrative duties as assigned, including but not limited to monitoring of academic progress of student-athletes, recruiting, fundraising, planning of team travel, and assisting with home games.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and acceptance into a master's program at McKendree University is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Collegiate playing experience, knowledge of and commitment to following NCAA, conference, and university rules and regulations.
Work Conditions
Some travel is required.
Required Application Materials
Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Equal Opportunity Employer
McKendree University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.
Full-time graduate assistants are eligible to participate in our health insurance plan, deferred compensation retirement plan (no matching contribution), 100% tuition remission, and a small stipend or hourly rate based on the specific role with the institution. Graduate Assistantships, stipends and hourly rates are available during the fall and spring terms only.

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