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Graduate Student Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Student information

See Portland, OR salary details

$7

$17

$25

How much do graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student in Portland, OR is $17.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.62 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Student jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Graduate Student jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student jobs in Portland, OR? For Graduate Student jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Student jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Student jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Graduate Student jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Graduate Student job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,538 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
OHSU Student Worker

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) is aligned with the American Public Health Association in declaring racism a public health crisis, and our School is committed to becoming an antiracist SPH. We are working to center social justice in our internal and external work as a school and are committed to addressing structural and institutional racism, and to holding ourselves accountable to this work.

Function/Duties of Position

This Graduate Student Worker will support a qualitative evaluation of the FORWARD PSU Program, which examines program effectiveness from the perspective of Indigenous and BPOC undergraduate students. The position will support recruitment, data collection, and analysis of qualitative survey and in-depth interview data, contributing to a research report and manuscript for dissemination.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assisting with recruitment and coordination of data collection with study participants (conducting in-depth qualitative interviews with participants, coordinating scheduling and communication with participants)
  • Data management and preparation (organizing interview recordings and transcripts, ensuring proper documentation and storage of qualitative data)
  • Qualitative data analysis (coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data)
  • Producing research outputs (contributing to drafts of a report, summary materials for stakeholders, conference presentations, and an academic manuscript)
Required Qualifications
  • Enrolled in or on vacation from or is otherwise registered in Graduate Program (minimum 4.5 credit hours)
  • Training in qualitative research methods
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Strong communication and writing skills
  • Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework in qualitative research methods
  • Experience conducting qualitative interviews or program evaluation
  • Familiarity with thematic analysis
  • Strong communication and writing skills
  • Lived experience of racialization and Indigeneity
  • Interest in community-based participatory research, health equity, and workforce development
Additional Details

This position involves a combination of remote and in-person work. Research team meetings and some research activities will take place via Zoom. Some research activities will be based at the School of Public Health, or at various locations across the PSU campus, depending on participant preference and study needs.

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887