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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Kearney, NE (NOW HIRING)

Nutrition Assistant II

Kearney, NE · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

As a Nutrition Assistant, you will assist in delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient food ... High School Graduate General Studies, upon hire or * High School GED General Studies, upon hire and

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Graduate Assistant information

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Kearney, NE is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $18.51 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.

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Kearney, NE look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Kearney, NE are:

What cities near Kearney, NE are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs?

Cities near Kearney, NE with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Kearney, NE as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,313 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Graduate Assistantships - Buffett Early Childhood Institute

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Working Title
Graduate Assistantships - Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Brief Summary of Job Description
The Buffett Early Childhood Institute is seeking graduate research assistants to support a variety of research and evaluation activities. GRA's will support the execution of funded research projects using qualitative and/or quantitative methods. This paid graduate assistantship would begin in the summer or fall semester and would require a commitment of approximately 20 hours a week. Topics that GRA's may support include early childhood systems change, workforce well-being, and reducing educational opportunity gaps.
Job Duties
This section describes some of the responsibilities that may be expected of GRA's, though not necessarily perform all of the activities listed; nor is the list exhaustive.
• Conduct interviews and focus groups
• Support data management, cleaning, and analysis using qualitative (e.g., NVivo) and/or quantitative software (e.g., SPSS)
• Develop data dictionaries and/or codebooks
• Conduct literature reviews
• Contribute to dissemination of research and evaluation findings, including reports, manuscripts, and presentations
• Participate in meetings with internal and external partners
• Build surveys using Qualtrics
• Assist with the writing of grant proposals
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, human sciences, social work, sociology, or a related field .
Coursework in quantitative, qualitative methods, and/or mixed-methods Experience with qualitative coding and analysis OR with basic statistical analyses (e.g., Regression, ANOVA).
Experience conducting literature reviews, including searching for relevant literature and synthesizing information.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of early childhood development
Working knowledge and skills in advanced statistical methods (e.g., HLM, SEM) OR Experience using qualitative software, such as nVivo, MAXQDA, or Atlas. TI.
Physical Demands
Schedule
Summer or Fall Semester, 20 hours a week
Desired Start Date
05/15/2023
Position End Date (if temporary)
Special Instructions to Applicant
To apply, send the CVs to me swallace@nebraska.edu. We require a CV, a cover letter is encouraged.
Special Conditions for Eligibility
To apply, send the CVs to me swallace@nebraska.edu. We require a CV, a cover letter is encouraged.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
STU2023010P
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Application Review Date: To ensure full consideration, please submit all application materials before review date:
Please see instructions
For questions regarding the online application process, please contact:
308-865-8516 or employment@unk.edu
For questions regarding the position, please contact:
Greg Welch at gwelch@nebraska.edu