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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in Utah is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Utah?

For Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Utah are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Utah 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 Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,375 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Graduate Research Assistant

Utah State University

Logan, UT • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Utah State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Dr. Gina Gilson is recruiting a PhD or MS student to conduct research related to water policy and governance in the western US, primarily in the Colorado River region. The student will join the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University starting in Spring of 2027. Topics may include, but aren’t limited to:


  • Strategies for reducing consumptive water use, including via market-based strategies or conjunctive management policies, and the impact of such strategies on water users and rural communities
  • Collaborative governance and the incorporation of stakeholder values in policy decisions and management actions, including the role of social science in the science-policy-practice interface
  • The water-energy nexus related to data center development


The exact scope of work will depend on student interest. Student-led projects within these topics are flexible, and there is room for students to engage in studies that align with their interests. It is expected that the student will use qualitative methods or mixed methods for community-engaged research. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with communities, managers, and other researchers.


Funding for this position is provided through USU start-up funds and through the Center for Colorado River Studies. Support will be provided for fieldwork travel. In their first semester, the student will co-author a non-academic publication for USU’s Institute for Land, Water, and Air.

This position is based at Utah State University’s main Logan campus. Research duties will be year-round, including the spring semester, fall semester, and over the summer. Students will receive a stipend that includes 20 hours a week as a research assistant and subsidized health insurance. For PhD applications, three years of research assistant funding is available; the fourth year may be funded through additional grants if available, or through a teaching assistantship. Students who are not yet Utah residents will receive a waiver for the out-of-state portion of tuition and may also receive an award for the in-state portion. Students will need to apply for the USU graduate program in Environment and Society; a specialization in Climate Adaptation Science is also available along with graduate certificates in topics such as environmental communication and engagement or applied GIS.


Preferred qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental sciences, geography, sociology, policy studies, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred for PhD applicants.
  • Flexibility to travel within the US for data collection, possibly for several weeks at a time.
  • Interest in social science research methods.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, ideally with academic and non-academic audiences.


To apply for this position, please email the following documents to gina.gilson@usu.edu: (1) a brief statement of interest clearly stating research interests, relevant experience, and qualifications; and (2) a current C.V. or resume. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, although preliminary reviews will begin on September 15. Additional materials such as a writing sample and references may be requested later in the process.


About Utah State University


USU is the state’s land grant institution, serving more than 28,000 students across its statewide campuses. USU’s main campus is in Logan, surrounded by the Bear River and Wellsville Mountains, approximately an hour and a half north of Salt Lake City. Logan is known for its year-round recreation opportunities, as well as its proximity to national parks, national forests, and numerous state parks and wilderness areas.

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