ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in California

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer - Fall Is this Role ... Interest in pursuing research, graduate studies, or a related career field Special Instructions to ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer - Fall Is this Role ... Interest in pursuing research, graduate studies, or a related career field Special Instructions to ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE222524 Position Information Department or Unit Name Sociology Position Headcount 4 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$22/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $22.00 - $22.00 Pay ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$18/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 Pay Range Information Chapman ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Title Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2025-2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 Pay Range ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Spring 2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $19.00 - $19.00 Pay Range Information ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Spring 2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $19.00 - $19.00 Pay Range Information ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$18/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 Pay Range Information Chapman ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Title Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2025-2026 Term or Semester Spring Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 Pay Range ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 - $16.90 Pay ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE211724 Position Information Department or Unit Name Chemistry Position Headcount 1 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE189324 Position Information Department or Unit Name Psychology Position Headcount 3 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic ...

Chapman University

Student Research Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $17.50 - $17.50 Pay ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Student Research JobsGraduate Student Research Assistant JobsGraduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in California

Graduate Student Research Assistant information

See California salary details

$7

$16

$23

How much do graduate student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in California is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a graduate student research assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Student Research Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, subject-specific knowledge, and enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with research software, data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and academic databases is typically required. Excellent time management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and balance research with academic responsibilities. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to academic projects, and advancing your academic career.

How much do graduate student research assistants make in the US?

Graduate student research assistants in the US typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual stipends ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 depending on the institution, field, and experience. Many positions also include tuition waivers and benefits, and work schedules often involve part-time hours during academic terms.

What is a graduate student research assistant?

Graduate Student Research Assistants are graduate-level students who assist faculty or principal investigators in conducting research projects, often as part of their academic training. Their duties may include data collection, analysis, literature reviews, laboratory work, and preparing reports or presentations. These positions provide valuable hands-on research experience and may be funded through grants or university programs. Typically, Graduate Student Research Assistants work part-time while pursuing their graduate degrees, contributing to both their professional development and the progress of the research project.

How does a graduate student research assistant typically collaborate with faculty and other researchers in a university setting?

Graduate Student Research Assistants often work closely with faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and other graduate students. They may participate in regular lab meetings, contribute to group discussions, and assist in designing and conducting experiments or data analysis. Collaboration is key, as assistants are frequently expected to share findings, provide feedback on others' work, and sometimes co-author papers or presentations. This teamwork not only enhances the research itself but also provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for career development.

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

AspectGraduate Student Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant coursework or degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, often less specialized
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university settings, ongoing research projectsResearch labs, industry settings, short-term projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research institutionsCorporations, research firms, industry R&D
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research roles, career developmentIndustry experience, internship opportunities

The main difference is that Graduate Student Research Assistants are enrolled students working on academic research projects within universities, often as part of their degree requirements. Research Interns are typically students or early-career individuals gaining industry experience through short-term internships. While both roles involve research tasks, the setting, credentials, and career focus differ.

Is being a graduate student research assistant good for grad school?

Being a graduate student research assistant provides valuable experience in research methods, data analysis, and academic collaboration, which can strengthen a graduate student's skills and resume. It also offers networking opportunities and often provides financial support through stipends or tuition waivers, benefiting overall graduate school success.

Can graduate students be research assistants?

Yes, graduate students commonly serve as research assistants in academic settings, supporting faculty with research projects, data analysis, and lab work. These positions often require relevant coursework, strong research skills, and sometimes specific certifications or tools, and they typically offer part-time schedules alongside coursework.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in California? For Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings:
Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings in California 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 $34,013 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Student Research Assistant

Chapman University

Orange, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/40151 Job Number SE210624
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Argyros College of Business and Economics Position Headcount 1 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic Year Summer 2026 Term or Semester Summer - Fall Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $16.90 - $16.90 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Orange Approved Supervisor Aulton Kohn Supervisor Email kohn@chapman.edu
Scheduling

Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)

Desired Start Date 06/15/2026 Projected End Date 05/31/2027 Average number of hours per week Up to 10 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
We are seeking a motivated research assistant to support academic research projects in marketing and consumer behavior. The position involves collecting, organizing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from sources such as social media, advertisements, interviews, and archival materials.
Responsibilities
  • Collect and organize research data from online and archival sources
  • Code and analyze qualitative data (e.g., social media posts, interviews, advertisements)
  • Assist with literature reviews and reference management
  • Support data analysis and visualization
  • Help prepare research reports, presentations, and manuscripts

Required Qualifications
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Experience with Excel, Google Sheets, or similar tools
  • Familiarity with qualitative research methods and/or statistical analysis
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous coursework in research methods or statistics
  • Experience with academic research, literature reviews, or data collection
  • Strong written communication and organizational skills
  • Interest in pursuing research, graduate studies, or a related career field
Special Instructions to Applicants
  • Approximately 5-10 hours per week
To apply, please send your CV.

Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? With or Without FWS

What Chapman University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply