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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Education/Experience Graduate of LPN or Certified Surgical Tech program with evidence of completed certification as a First Assistant in the O.R. At least five (5) years of O.R. experience. Licenses ...

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Graduate Assistant information

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$5

$19

$33

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Springfield, IL is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $21.20 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 are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,310 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Surgical Assistant I

Springfield Clinic

Springfield, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Springfield Clinic rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

453rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Surgical Assistant 1 is resposible for being a First Assist to the surgeon on a full-time basis in the OR.
Job Relationships
Reports to the Operations Manager
Principal Responsibilities
Must be employed by the supervising surgeon 30 days or longer, if necessary, before assisting in the O.R. to assure competency, and must provide evidence of special training in the O.R. as a First Assistant.
Will obtain privileges and act as First Assistant to the surgeon in operative procedures at the ASC and local and area hospitals where the surgeon has privileges to perform surgery.
May assist in the O.R. suite with positioning of the patient, preparing the operative field (skin preparation and draping), and review the equipment and instruments required for the operation.
May perform designated wound closure approved by the surgeon.
May write orders, progress notes and diagnostic information on the patient's record in preparation for the surgeon's review and signature.
May request supplies and equipment necessary for the procedure.
Must promote effective rapport and cooperative spirit with related hospital and clinic personnel.
May assist or make rounds in the hospital for the attending surgeon. 
May review the patient's record for lab reports, x-ray findings and nursing comments where the pertinent information may be directed to the attending surgeon.  These visits may also involve
inspection of wounds and dressings, instructions to the patient, exercises and other convalescent activities and supplying health literature booklets and written post-operative instructions.
May assist families in making discharge arrangement.
Must be able to take call to assist in the O.R. as needed.
Must carry a beeper during clinic office hours and when on call for surgeon.
Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.
Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.
Provide excellent customer service and adhere to SC Way customer service philosophy.
Perform other job duties as assigned.
Education/Experience
Graduate of LPN or Certified Surgical Tech program with evidence of completed certification as a First Assistant in the O.R.
At least five (5) years of O.R. experience.
Licenses/Certificates
ACLS helpful but not required.
Must maintain current license of LPN with surgical experience or certified surgical tech.
CPR certification per American Heart Association Guidelines required within 30 days of hire.
Certification as a Surgical First Assistant.
Must be a first Assistant in the Operation Room by AORN Standards or an equivalent.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must follow Clinic personnel policies and procedures.
Must demonstrate professional behavior at all times.
May attend in-services and workshops relevant to the position.
Good organizational skills.
Good communication skills.
Computer knowledge essential.
Ability to work well with others, including patients, physicians, and other Clinic/hospital employees.
Ability to work well under stress.
Ability to work under stress and must possess organizational skills.
Working Environment
Work in a clinic and hospital environment.
Requires standing for long periods of time.
May be required to lift.
Frequent exposure to communicable diseases and toxic substances.
PHI/Privacy Level
HIPAA1

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