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Graduate Student Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Student - Beekeeping

Hammond, IN · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

This role is designed for undergraduate and/or graduate students seeking applied experience related to agriculture, biology, environmental science, entomology, sustainability, or related disciplines.

Eyas Landing

Graduate Students/Clinical Placement

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

If you are a graduate student seeking a clinical placement within the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work, please submit your application here!

Wheaton College

Student-Intercultural Engagement

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$36K - $42K/yr

Key Responsibilities - Cover in-person duties on days in office, Serve as a liaison between the OIE and The OMD, serve as graduate student editor for the ENGAGE Newsletter, and other duties as ...

University of Illinois

Grad Hourly

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Summary The UIC Institute for Leadership Excellence and Development (iLEAD) is seekinga graduate student (Masters or Doctoral) to assist with research and assessmenttasks. iLEAD, which is ...

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All JobsGraduate Student JobsGraduate Student Jobs in Chicago, IL

Graduate Student information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$7

$17

$25

How much do graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student in Chicago, IL is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I make money as a grad student?

Graduate students can earn money through on-campus jobs, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or internships related to their field. Freelance work, tutoring, and online platforms also offer flexible opportunities that fit a student's schedule and skill set.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as commercial truck drivers, real estate agents, sales managers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers. These positions typically require specialized training, certifications, or experience rather than a college degree, and often involve sales, physical work, or independent contracting.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Graduate students and young job seekers from Gen Z face challenges such as high competition, limited work experience, and evolving skill requirements like digital literacy. Employers often seek candidates with relevant internships, certifications, or technical skills, which can be difficult for new graduates to quickly acquire in a competitive job market.

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 jobs can I do as a graduate student?

Graduate students can work in various roles such as research assistant, teaching assistant, lab technician, or administrative support within their university. They may also find part-time jobs in retail, tutoring, or internships related to their field of study, often balancing work with academic commitments.

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 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 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 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.
More about Graduate Student jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Student jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Graduate Student jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student jobs in Chicago, IL? For Graduate Student jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Student jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Student jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Graduate Student jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Graduate Student job openings:
Graduate Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 46% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,531 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Chicago Campus Data & Analytics Graduate Assistant

Dominican University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

POSITION: Chicago Campus Data& Analytics Graduate Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Chicago Campus
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Academics
HOURS NEEDED PER WEEK: 15
HOURLY RATE (OR RANGE): $15.50/hour
DATES OF EMPLOYMENT (APPROXIMATE): August 2026-May 2026, plus future semesters if applicable
OPEN TO: Graduate Students
PRIMARY PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chicago Campus Data & Analytics Graduate Assistant will support the campus in using student data to better understand student needs, identify emerging trends, and inform student success strategies and campus decision-making. The Graduate Assistant will collect, organize, analyze, and visualize data from multiple sources, including Social Determinants of Health surveys, faculty stoplight reports, academic alerts, and other student success and engagement data.
The Graduate Assistant will develop weekly reports and presentations that summarize key findings, identify patterns across student populations, and highlight students or areas that may require additional attention. The Graduate Assistant will help translate data into clear and actionable information that supports proactive student outreach, resource allocation, program improvement, and overall student success.
EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
JOB COMPONENTS/PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Collect, organize, and analyze weekly data from Social Determinants of Health surveys, faculty stoplight reports, academic alerts, and other student success and engagement systems.
  • Combine data from multiple sources to identify student behavioral patterns, emerging trends, areas of concern, and opportunities for proactive intervention.
  • Develop weekly dashboards, reports, and PowerPoint presentations that clearly visualize student trends and summarize key findings for Chicago Campus leadership and staff.

BASIC COMPETENCIES: (Required knowledge, skills, abilities)
  • Commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion
  • Commitment to ethical practices in use of student communication & data
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Investigative mindset, problem-solver, creative/out-of-the-box thinker
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and manage both time-sensitive and long-term projects

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Enrolled in a graduate program full time
  • Must be eligible for US Employment
  • Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking, graduate student

APPLICATION MATERIALS
Resume and cover letter. Please describe how your skills and interests align directly with the role and the mission of Dominican University.

Apply