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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

CNA- $1,000 Sign On Bonus

Anchor, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

ACTIVE South Carolina Nurse Aide Certification Graduate of an Accredited Nurse Assistant Program Current CPR Certification High School Diploma or Equivalent What You'll Do: As a CNA, you'll provide ...

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), graduate debt-free, and launch your career with unmatched leadership training and real-world clinical experience. The HPSP Program Covers:

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Showing results 1-20

Graduate Assistant information

See Normal, IL salary details

$5

$19

$32

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Normal, IL is $19.12, 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.

How much are grad assistants paid?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with some positions offering stipends ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per semester. Pay rates vary depending on the institution, field of study, and whether the role includes teaching, research, or administrative duties.

What do you do as a grad assistant?

A graduate assistant typically supports academic departments or research projects by assisting with teaching, grading, research, or administrative tasks. They often work part-time, gain experience in their field, and may be required to hold a relevant graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program. The role may involve using specific tools or software related to their responsibilities.

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 is the role of a graduate assistant?

A graduate assistant is a student enrolled in a graduate program who works part-time for a university or college, assisting with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. They often gain experience related to their field of study and may receive a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation.

How hard is it to get a graduate assistantship?

Securing a graduate assistantship typically requires a strong academic record, relevant skills, and a competitive application process that may include interviews and recommendation letters. The difficulty varies by institution, program availability, and the applicant's qualifications, but generally, it is competitive due to limited positions and high demand.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in Normal, IL? For Graduate Assistant jobs in Normal, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Normal, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,763 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Critical Connection, inc

Normal, IL • On-site

$27.75 - $37.25/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Critical Connection, inc is seeking a travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for a travel job in Normal, Illinois.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Schedule: Full-Time | Flexible Scheduling Options
Guaranteed Hours: Yes (varies by assignment)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to support patients in improving functional skills and independence under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

This role offers flexibility, professional support, and growth opportunities. New graduate COTAs are welcome to apply.

What You’ll Do

  • Deliver occupational therapy treatments under OT supervision
  • Assist patients with functional activities, ADLs, and mobility
  • Monitor patient progress and communicate updates to supervising OT
  • Educate patients and caregivers on adaptive techniques
  • Complete accurate and timely documentation

Qualifications

  • Associate’s Degree from an accredited OTA program
  • Active (or pending) state COTA license
  • New graduates welcome
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive weekly pay packages
  • Guaranteed hours (assignment-dependent)
  • First-day medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Housing stipend and meals & incidentals (travel roles)
  • License reimbursement
  • Relocation assistance (when applicable)
  • $1,200 CEU allowance per year
  • 401(k) plan
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Weekly direct deposit

Why Work With Us

  • Dedicated recruiter support
  • Transparent contracts
  • Nationwide placement options
  • Clinician-first culture

Critical Connection, inc Job ID #18233188. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Therapy:CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (COTA),07:00:00-15:00:00

About Critical Connection, inc

This isnʼt just a job you are looking for. You are building a career. CCI can help you make your next move and help you to know when itʼs the right move.

We want to know about your career and personal goals, including what you want to achieve now and well into the future. Building solid relationships through transparency and trust with our Therapists and Nurses is the foundation of our process.

CCI gives you access to opportunities with the best healthcare organizations and private practices

throughout the United States. We understand these healthcare providers' needs and the company culture, allowing us to connect you with the right employer for your career goals, skills, and financial objectives. Submitting your profile is just the start. We meet with you to learn more about who you are, both as a healthcare professional and as a person - your dreams, your strengths, and your values. Then you can leave the travel search to us. There is no stress, no hassles, no time wasted searching multiple want ads and job placement websites - just the best opportunities for you. CCIʼs commitment to getting to know each candidate guarantees the best professional and personal fit between CCI candidates and healthcare employers. Make the connection today!