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Graduate Student Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Student information

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$7

$17

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How much do graduate student jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student in Portland, OR is $17.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.66 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 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?

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 is a graduate student?

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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Graduate Student jobs in Portland, OR 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:

Graduate Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Student job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,633 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

PNCA Student Affairs Office Assistant

Willamette University

Portland, OR • On-site

$18.95/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Willamette University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:
Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.
Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Dean of Students for Community Care & Inclusion at PNCA, the Student Affairs Office Assistant plays a critical role in providing comprehensive administrative support and operational coordination for the PNCA Office of Student Affairs. This role assists student clubs and organizations, provides support for key campus events, office coverage, marketing, and promotion for departmental events. This position will participate in major university-wide events, including admitted student days, orientation, move-in, and admissions events.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Engagement and Leadership Support
  • Act as the primary point of contact for active undergraduate and graduate student clubs and organizations, helping them navigate university processes.
  • Assist active student clubs and organizations with purchasing items approved by the Student Council (graduate and undergraduate)
  • Supervise the work of student office assistants

Administrative Support & Office Operations
  • Manage email and communication requests from active clubs and organizations at PNCA and the general pnca-student-life@willamette.edu account, routing to the appropriate staff member or responding accordingly.
  • Assist with reconciliation of monthly expenditures of the PNCA Student Affairs Team (DOS, Director, & Assistant Director)
  • Provide coverage for the Office of Student Affairs, PNCA
  • Provide Office support, including tracking and monitoring of supplies, general office organization, and maintenance (watering plants, tidying the office, organizing student affairs supplies)
  • Assist the Office with scheduling and coordinating meetings with external constituents and campus partners.
  • Manage Student Life marketing and promotions.

Event Coordination & Marketing
  • Provide general support for key campus activities and events, which can include assistance with purchasing, set-up, breakdown, and other duties.
  • Assist with flyer and poster design for the Office of Student Affairs
  • Actively participate in major University events such as Orientation, Move-in, Move-out, Admitted Students Day, and Admissions events.

Professionalism & Compliance
  • Respect and maintain confidentiality, parameters of operation, professional protocols, and individual privacy as required by law.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
  • High School Diploma.
  • Ability to cultivate relationships with campus constituents.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
  • Understanding of event planning processes and ability to support student groups in executing successful events.
  • Ability to provide administrative support to functional areas in a timely manner.

Preferred
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited higher education institution
  • Familiarity with an art and design college environment
  • Previous experience working with college students
  • Previous experience working in an office environment
  • Experience using Google Applications, Canva, Adobe, or other products to design flyers.

Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Occasional Fridays and evenings.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Typical work is performed indoors in a normal office environment.
Salary: $18.95/hr for an average of 20 hours a week.
You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:
  • Cover letter addressing qualifications
  • Current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:
Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.

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