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$5

$16

$27

How much do graduate research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research assistant in Kentucky is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsGraduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) often requiredUndergraduate or graduate students, less formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institution, often part of a universityResearch labs, industry, or academic settings, usually temporary
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, research firms, academic labs

In summary, a Graduate Research Assistant typically holds a graduate degree and works within academic or research institutions, focusing on long-term research projects. In contrast, a Research Intern is often a student or early-career individual gaining practical experience, usually on a temporary basis in various research settings.

What challenges do graduate research assistants face when balancing research projects with coursework?

Graduate Research Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities, including research tasks, coursework, and sometimes teaching duties. Time management is a frequent challenge, as research projects may have unpredictable workloads or urgent deadlines that overlap with academic requirements. Clear communication with your advisor and setting realistic expectations can help manage these demands. Many assistants find that developing strong organizational skills and seeking support from peers or mentors aids in maintaining a healthy balance between research and academic obligations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a graduate research assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Assistant, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies. Proficiency with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and possibly laboratory equipment is often required. Excellent organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set candidates apart in collaborative research environments. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, meeting project deadlines, and contributing effectively to academic teams.

What is a graduate research assistant?

Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) are graduate students who work under the supervision of faculty members to assist with academic research projects. Their responsibilities can include data collection, literature reviews, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and helping to prepare research publications or presentations. These positions often provide students with hands-on experience in their field of study and may offer a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation. GRAs play a crucial role in advancing university research while developing skills for future academic or professional careers.

What does a graduate research assistant do?

A graduate research assistant supports faculty or research teams by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, reviewing literature, and preparing reports or presentations. They often work in laboratories or academic settings, using specialized tools and methods relevant to their field of study. This role typically requires strong research skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with relevant software or equipment.

Can you be a graduate research assistant with a master's degree?

Yes, a master's degree is often sufficient to qualify for a graduate research assistant position, which typically requires strong research skills, familiarity with relevant tools, and coursework in the field. Some positions may prefer or require additional qualifications such as a related bachelor's degree or specific certifications.

Is being a graduate research assistant worth it?

A graduate research assistant position provides valuable research experience, skills in data analysis and academic writing, and networking opportunities within a university environment. However, it often involves a low stipend and requires balancing work with coursework, so its worth depends on individual career goals and financial needs.
More about Graduate Research Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Kentucky are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Research Assistant jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Graduate Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Graduate Research Assistant job openings:

Graduate Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,914 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$29K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Graduate Research Assistant
Requisition Number
DU14894
Department Name
81080:ENTOMOLOGY
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$29,340
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
Bachelors Degree or M.S.
Required Related Experience
N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
sitting for periods of time, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs, working in a lab
Shift
20 hours per week
Job Summary
Student, under supervision of Gonthier, will be responsible for testing pest management strategies for organic vegetable production. This will involve designing and conducting field experiments at UK Horticulture Research Farm, statistically analyzing data, and writing manuscripts. .
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
08/15/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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