ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Assistant JobsGraduate Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Graduate Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$6

$20

$34

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Reston, VA is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a graduate assistant?

To become a graduate assistant, typically you need to be enrolled in a graduate program and apply through your university's department or graduate school. The application process often involves submitting a resume, academic transcripts, and sometimes letters of recommendation, and may require an interview. Relevant skills include strong communication, time management, and familiarity with the field of study or department where the assistantship is offered.

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 at their university, assisting with research, teaching, or administrative tasks. They often gain experience related to their field and may receive a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation.

Is being a GA worth it?

A graduate assistant (GA) position typically offers valuable experience, professional development, and sometimes a tuition waiver or stipend. However, it often involves a significant time commitment and balancing work with academic responsibilities, so its worth depends on individual career goals and workload capacity.

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.

How much is a graduate assistant paid?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the institution, location, and level of experience. Many positions also include tuition waivers or stipends as part of the compensation package. Salaries can vary based on the workload and specific department requirements.

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.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Graduate Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, and 51% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,313 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Graduate Office Assistant (Student Wage)

Graduate Office Assistant (Student Wage)

The University of Virginia

Fairfax, VA

$22/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

193rd of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The UVA Northern Virginia team is seeking a currently enrolled graduate student to support office operations at our new co-learning space in Fairfax, Virginia. This role will support the Office Manager by maintaining a welcoming environment, running the front reception desk and ensuring smooth daily operation primarily during evening and weekend hours in a part-time capacity.

Launched as part of UVA's 2030 Great and Good Strategic Plan, the mission of UVA | Northern Virginia is to connect Grounds in Charlottesville with Northern Virginia and vice versa. UVA reimagined how the academic rigor of Charlottesville could be channeled north to create UVA | Northern Virginia - a knowledge tap of educational programs, research, mentorship, and events to support Northern Virginia working professionals in parallel with their careers. UVA | Northern Virginia is the center point of UVA's efforts to better serve the commonwealth by bringing new and existing academic programs across disciplines and modalities - in-person, online, and hybrid - to Northern Virginia.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee the front desk serving as the primary point of contact for visitors, students, faculty and staff providing support and answering questions as needed.
  • Monitor and maintain security (facility access), cleanliness, and functionality of classrooms, office spaces, and common areas during shifts.
  • Assist in setting up and breaking down events, meetings, classes, etc. Ensure AV and other technology equipment are in working order and set up.
  • Assist with classroom, desk and space and reservations.
  • Answer phones, maintain records and office correspondence.
  • Additional projects and responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

  • Current graduate student enrolled at UVA.
  • Strong communication and customer service skills.
  • Strong written and verbal skills.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Works well on teams and self-directed during unsupervised shifts.
  • Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience in public-facing roles.
  • Ability to troubleshoot basic technology equipment issues

Work Environment

This position requires regular presence in the office, including nights and weekends. Some light physical tasks may be involved such as moving tables, chairs and equipment.

Position Compensation: $22.00 Hourly

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor's degree. Registered as a UVA graduate student.
Experience: none
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

View All University of Virginia Jobs

Apply