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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 Virginia is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.37 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.

More about Graduate Student jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Student jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Graduate Student jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student jobs in Virginia? For Graduate Student jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Student jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Student jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Student jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Graduate Student job openings:
Graduate Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,169 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Graduate Student Services Assistant - ECE

Graduate Student Services Assistant - ECE

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Graduate Student Services Assistant - ECE
Job no: 536350
Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Electrical and ComputerEngineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Other, Student Affairs / Services, Program/Project Management
Job Description
The ECE Graduate Student Services Assistant provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the ECE Graduate Student Services Manager, Graduate Program Director, and Graduate Student Services team. This role supports the full lifecycle of graduate student services, including recruiting, admissions, onboarding, advising support, and data management. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple processes while providing excellent customer service to prospective and current graduate students, faculty, and stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced administrative or customer service environment
• Experience using standard office software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and/or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Demonstrated ability to learn and utilize new systems, databases, or software platforms
• Evidence of strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, recordkeeping, or document management
• Experience handling sensitive or confidential information with professionalism and discretion
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting graduate student services, higher education administration, or a related academic environment (e.g., recruiting, admissions, onboarding, or advising support)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and/or organizational leadership
• Experience working or engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, with demonstrated cultural awareness and inclusive practices
Pay Band
2
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$24.00 per hour
Hours per week
28
Review Date
May 19, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cole Tankersley at cpt19@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: May 6, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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