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Graduate Student Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Student information

See Oregon salary details

$7

$17

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How much do graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student in Oregon is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How Can I Get a Job as a Graduate Student?

The qualifications that you need to get a job as a graduate student include enrollment in a master’s or Ph.D. program and fundamental research or teaching skills. Employers usually select graduate degree employees for positions that are relevant to the programs in which they study. A biology graduate student, for example, can work as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate biology class or serve as an assistant on a biology-related research project. However, you may occasionally find work outside of your specialization if there is some crossover. Some employers require applicants to meet grade-point requirements or complete basic coursework before applying.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Student, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Student, you need strong research abilities, subject-matter expertise from an undergraduate degree, and critical thinking skills. Familiarity with academic databases, reference management tools like EndNote or Zotero, and data analysis software such as SPSS or R is often required. Time management, perseverance, and effective communication are essential soft skills for balancing coursework, research, and collaboration. These competencies are vital for successfully navigating demanding academic environments and producing impactful scholarly work.

What are some common challenges graduate students face when balancing research, coursework, and teaching responsibilities?

Graduate students often juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously, such as conducting research, completing coursework, and fulfilling teaching assistant duties. Managing time effectively and setting clear priorities can be challenging, especially during peak periods like exams or grant deadlines. Many students find it helpful to communicate regularly with their advisors and peers, utilize campus resources for academic support, and develop strong organizational habits to stay on track. Building a supportive network and seeking guidance early can alleviate stress and help maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What are graduate students?

Graduate students are individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and are pursuing advanced studies, typically at the master's or doctoral level. They enroll in graduate programs to gain deeper knowledge in a specific field, conduct research, and develop specialized skills. Graduate students may also take on teaching or research assistantships as part of their academic training. Their studies often culminate in a thesis, dissertation, or comprehensive exams, depending on the program.

What is the difference between Graduate Student vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate StudentResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled in a graduate program, often pursuing a master's or PhDTypically has a relevant degree; may be a current student or recent graduate
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, labs, classroomsResearch labs, universities, research centers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic researchUniversities, research institutions, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic and research rolesSpecialized research roles within academia

The main difference is that a Graduate Student is enrolled in a degree program and may undertake research as part of their coursework, while a Research Assistant is typically employed to assist with research projects, often holding a relevant degree or current student status. Both roles are common in academic settings and involve research activities, but their primary purpose and employment status differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Student jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Graduate Student jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student jobs in Oregon? For Graduate Student jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Graduate Student jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Graduate Student job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Oregon as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,438 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
MES Student Research Assistant

MES Student Research Assistant

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

$19.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Oregon State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Job Title
MES Student Research Assistant
Appointment Type
Student Employee
Job Location
Ontario
Position Appointment Percent
100
Appointment Basis
12
Pay Method
Hourly
Pay Period
16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date
Last working day of the month
Remote or Hybrid option?
Min Hourly Rate
$15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate
$21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill five (5) summer Student Research Assistant positions (a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic terms and a maximum of 40 hours per week during academic breaks) for the Malheur Experiment Station in Ontario, OR at Oregon State University (OSU).
The student technician performs routine to complex technical or specialized tasks in support of research and farm operations. Malheur Experiment Station will be conducting several different research projects related to pest monitoring, pest management, and variety trials in onion and potato crops during the summer growing season.
This position is located in Ontario, OR.
Transferable Skill Development
OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:
Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Professionalism, and Career & Self-Development.
Position Duties
  • Counting insects on plants and collecting samples
  • Identifying insects with a microscope
  • Collecting plant and soil samples
  • Preparing samples for analysis, collect and record data
  • Setting up and connecting irrigation systems
  • Use of hand tools
  • May include driving university vehicles to research fields
  • Traveling to off station sites to do similar research related tasks
Training will be provided for required skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements
  • Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
  • Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
  • Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
    • High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
    • Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
    • Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
    • Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
    • Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*
*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered "full-time" by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
Additional Required Qualifications
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
  • Willingness to work outdoors
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to learn how to use a microscope for identification
  • Ability to work as part of a team
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
P12893SE
Number of Vacancies
5
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
05/01/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
09/30/2026
Posting Date
03/03/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date
06/30/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search
Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
  • A Resume
  • A Cover Letter

For additional information please contact: Stuart Reitz at stuart.reitz@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

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