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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Opelika, AL (NOW HIRING)

Auburn University

Graduate Assistant

Auburn, AL

$15.86K/yr

A Graduate Assistant is provided with an educational experience aligned with or related to their program of study whereby they apply the specific functional knowledge, skills and abilities gained ...

Auburn University

Graduate Assistant

Auburn, AL · On-site

$15.86K/yr

A Graduate Assistant is provided with an educational experience aligned with or related to their program of study whereby they apply the specific functional knowledge, skills and abilities gained ...

Auburn University

Graduate Research Assistant

Auburn, AL · On-site

Graduate research assistants (GRAs) are students who, in the course of their academic training, are employed in part-time research positions, where the student's academic training is based in part on ...

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Opelika, AL is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $19.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Opelika, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Opelika, AL are:
What cities near Opelika, AL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Opelika, AL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Opelika, AL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,341 per year, or $18 per hour.
Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistant

Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn, AL

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Graduate Assistant for Financial Aid & Scholarships Systems & Data

The Graduate Assistant for Financial Aid & Scholarships Systems & Data will support the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships in the administration and continuous improvement of the systems and processes that help deliver financial aid and scholarship services at Auburn University. This position contributes to data analysis, reporting, system support, and technical web and communication tasks in collaboration with professional staff.

This role is well-suited for a graduate student who is curious, detail-oriented, and interested in developing skills related to data, systems, and higher education operations. The position offers hands-on experience working with real world data, enterprise systems, and process focused workflows in a supportive, learning centered environment.

A Graduate Assistant is provided with an educational experience aligned with or related to their program of study whereby they apply the specific functional knowledge, skills and abilities gained from their overall educational program. There may be duties other than teaching, research or extension, and the following guidelines must be adhered to:

  • At least 60% of the student's primary duties and responsibilities are directly related their program of study.
  • No more than 25% of the student's duties and responsibilities are administrative/clerical in nature. (i.e. event setup and takedown, filing, copying, etc.)

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with data analysis and reporting activities to support Financial Aid & Scholarships operations.
  • Provide support for departmental systems, including assisting with testing, documentation, and data quality review.
  • Assist with monitoring and validating data exchanges between systems.
  • Help maintain and update technical web and communication content, including HTML-based pages and templates.
  • Support documentation, testing, and analysis related to process improvements and system workflows

Qualifications:

To be eligible, an individual must meet all minimum requirements, which reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities typically required for success in the role.

• Enrollment in a graduate degree program at Auburn University.

  • A Graduate Assistant Exempt must meet eligibility requirements and be supervised by a faculty member, administrator or other appropriate university employee who is responsible for monitoring and evaluating their performance at least on an annual basis.

Technical Skills • Familiarity with SQL or a willingness to learn and work with query-based tools. • Experience with or coursework in data analysis, information systems, technology, or related areas. • Basic understanding of HTML or interest in developing web-related skills. • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.

Other Qualifications • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a deadline-driven environment. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a technical and functional team. • Interest in higher education systems, data governance, administrative technology, or process improvement is welcomed.

Why Work at Auburn?

  • Gain valuable work experience! Student employment allows you to explore different interests, identify strengths, and make informed decisions about your future career goals.
  • Build your network! Interacting with faculty, staff, and fellow students can lead to valuable connections and potential mentors.
  • Make a difference! Have the satisfaction of knowing YOU are a part of providing the premier academic experience at Auburn and the life-changing work our students and employees perform.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

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