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Graduate Assistant information

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$5

$17

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Independence, MO is $17.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Is being a graduate assistant worth it?

A graduate assistant position provides students with work experience, often involving research, teaching, or administrative tasks, while offering a stipend or tuition waiver. It can enhance skills, build professional networks, and support academic progress, making it a valuable opportunity for many graduate students. However, the workload and time commitment should be considered in relation to academic goals.

What are graduate assistant jobs?

Graduate assistant jobs are positions typically held by graduate students that involve assisting faculty or staff 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.
More about Graduate Assistant jobs

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Independence, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Independence, MO are:

What cities near Independence, MO are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs?

Cities near Independence, MO with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:

Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Independence, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,082 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Graduate Assistant - Admissions

Avila University

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Admissions supports the Admissions team by assisting prospective students, coordinating campus engagement, and helping with recruitment activities. Candidates are required to excel in communication skills, punctuality, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Irregular work hours such as weekends, holidays, and evenings are to be expected.

Responsibilities:

• Answer and manage the general admissions phone line

• Respond to basic prospective student inquiries

• Direct students and visitors around campus

• Assist with planning and coordinating student visits to campus

• Help organize and support campus recruitment events

• Provide general administrative support to the admissions office

• Assist with prospective student communication and outreach

Qualifications:

• Must be admitted and enrolled in a graduate program at Avila University. International students are not eligible for graduate assistantships.

• The successful candidate for this position will possess a bachelor's degree and

must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, a commitment to student development, higher education, creativity, vision, passion, and compassion are imperative.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

• Demonstrated commitment to student development, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Proficiency in using relevant technology and software for managing student services and data.

• The GA is expected to work the appropriate number of hours based on the allotted hours stated in the Graduate Assistant policy. The term of this position is based on the availability of the successful candidate but shall not exceed two full academic years.


Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.


The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.


Additional Employment Information:

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.


You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.


All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)” and produce requested documentation after employment.


In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at https://www.avila.edu/campus-resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.


Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.