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Graduate Student Summer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$250/hr

... summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to ...

$150 - $200/hr

This is a 9-month administrative faculty position with summer stipend administrative appointment ... Oversee graduate student progression, retention, graduation, and certification outcomes * Address ...

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Graduate Student Summer information

See Kentucky salary details

$6

$12

$18

How much do graduate student summer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student summer in Kentucky is $12.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.48 and $13.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are graduate student summer positions?

Graduate student summer positions are temporary roles or internships offered to graduate students during the summer months, typically lasting 8-12 weeks. These opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, conduct research, or work in industry settings. They can help students build professional networks, enhance their skills, and sometimes earn academic credit or stipends. Such positions are valuable for career development and may lead to future full-time opportunities.

What are some common challenges graduate student summer interns face, and how can they prepare for them?

Graduate student summer interns often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research or project work with learning new skills in a condensed timeframe. Adapting to a new organizational culture and collaborating with experienced professionals can also be initially daunting. To prepare, interns should proactively communicate with mentors, set clear goals early on, and seek feedback regularly. Building relationships with team members and participating in group meetings can help ease the transition and maximize the internship experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate student during a summer research or internship program, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Student in a summer program, you need a strong academic background in your field, foundational research or analytical skills, and relevant coursework or degrees in progress. Familiarity with research databases, statistical analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and laboratory or project management tools is often essential. Initiative, effective communication, and adaptability help distinguish students who can collaborate well and tackle new challenges. These skills ensure you maximize learning opportunities, contribute meaningfully to projects, and build professional relationships during the limited summer term.

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

AspectGraduate Student SummerResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, often with related coursework
Work EnvironmentAcademic or corporate research settings, project-basedResearch labs, academic institutions, industry research divisions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, corporationsUniversities, research labs, corporate R&D
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding summer research opportunities for graduate studentsExploring research internship options for students

Graduate Student Summer positions typically target enrolled graduate students seeking research experience during summer breaks, often within academic or corporate research environments. Research Intern roles are similar but may include undergraduate students or those at different education levels. Both roles focus on research projects, but Graduate Student Summer positions are more tailored for graduate-level coursework and thesis work, whereas Research Interns may have broader eligibility.

What are good jobs for graduate students?

Graduate students often find part-time jobs such as research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or tutoring to be beneficial, as they align with their academic interests and offer flexible schedules. Other suitable options include internships, freelance work, or roles in retail and hospitality that provide income without conflicting with coursework. These jobs help develop skills relevant to their field and can often be scheduled around academic commitments.

What do graduate student summers do in the summer?

Graduate student summer roles typically involve research, internships, or teaching assistantships related to their field of study. These positions often provide practical experience, skill development, and networking opportunities, and may require working full-time or part-time during the summer months.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student Summer jobs in Kentucky?

For Graduate Student Summer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Student Summer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Student Summer jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Student Summer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,462 per year, or $12.7 per hour.

Student Summer Intern - Plant and Soil Sciences

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

$13.25 - $15.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Student Summer Intern - Plant and Soil Sciences Requisition Number DU11761 Department Name 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range Varies Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education
As required by supervisor.
Required Related Experience
As required by supervisor.
Required License/Registration/Certification
As required by supervisor.
Physical Requirements
As required by supervisor.
Shift
During the Summer: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (40 hrs/wk). During the crop growing season different hours, either earlier start times or later end times, may be necessary to complete research activities.

Job Summary
This program will be responsible for the development and execution of agricultural field research, including managing corn, soybean, wheat rotations and protection systems, conducting field sampling of crop productivity, pest, disease, weed, and weather logger monitoring. Field work will require long hours in the hot humid summer conditions
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
This is a temporary position with Plant and Soil Sciences. The position will be under the supervision of a department faculty or staff member to perform lab or field research as directed by supervisor or Graduate Research Assistant.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience Deadline to Apply 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