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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Assistant information

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$33

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Elgin, IL is $19.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $21.15 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 Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL? For Graduate Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,204 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Graduate Assistant: Esports Coach

North Park University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

North Park University, a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, would like to announce that applications are now being accepted for the position of Esports Graduate Assistant Coach. The assistantship will begin in August 2026 and includes tuition remission, a partial meal plan, and a $3,000 stipend per semester.

About North Park
Founded in 1891, North Park University is a Christian university affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of over 3,200 students from around the country and the world. Located for over 125 years on the land of the Miami and Potawatomi tribes in what is today Chicago’s northside, NPU has recently been designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and is committed to serving diverse populations. Elevating North Park University’s core distinctives of Christian, city-centered, and intercultural, NPU values diversity among its faculty and is committed to building a racially and culturally diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages the nomination and candidacies of persons who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color regardless of gender.

North Park University is located in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, one of the most ethnically diverse zip codes in the United States. It is nine miles from downtown Chicago. The North Park campus has often been referred to as an oasis in the heart of the city – a place where students from urban, rural, and suburban backgrounds alike can call home. And all of this within the major metropolitan backdrop of Chicago: one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, renowned for its museums and music, and voted best large city in the U.S. for four years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler.

Mission

The mission of North Park University is to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.

Vision

Building on our core institutional identity—Christian, city-centered, intercultural—our vision is to create a university of uncommon character and enduring excellence, where faith, learning, and service meet.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assists the Director of Esports with the daily operations of the Esports program at North Park University.
  • Analyze performance and instruct athletes in gaming techniques and strategies in preparation for and during competition.
  • Assist with all phases of competitive recruiting.
  • Execute practice and tournament planning/evaluation, including video exchange and breakdown.
  • Ensure a commitment to the academic success of Esports student-athletes, including monitoring academic performance, attendance, and social behavior.
  • Build and sustain positive relationships with student-athletes, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and the campus community.
  • Have a working knowledge of and a commitment to intercollegiate Esports rules and regulations.
  • Complete other duties as assigned by the Director of Esports, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management, and Associate and

Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree is required.
  • Applicant must obtain acceptance in a North Park University graduate program.
  • Applicant must be able to work an untraditional work schedule (i.e. frequent nights and weekends).
  • Coaching or playing experience and extensive knowledge of the Esports are required.
  • Able to travel with team, by vehicle or plane.
  • A valid driver’s license is required.; Use of personal vehicle to travel to/from practice and or competition.
  • Possess a clear understanding and personal commitment to North Park’s mission of Christian higher education.