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Education

Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant

Assist faculty or other instructional staff at postsecondary institutions. Graduate Teaching/Research Assistants must be enrolled in a graduate school program. Graduate Teaching Assistants perform teaching or teaching-related duties, such as teaching lower level courses, developing teaching materials, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers. Graduate Research Assistants perform research or research-related duties, such as conducting background research, coding data, locating and documenting sources, and editing.

Annual openings

384

Median wage

$37,450

Typical education

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field. However, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is valued. Enrollment in a graduate program is typically required.

Growth 2026–2032

+18%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field. However, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is valued. Enrollment in a graduate program is typically required.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

There are no required licenses or authorizations.

Experience detail

No previous work experience is required. However, this position is typically filled by an graduate student in the degree program being taught.

Employer competency information

  • ● Communication - Listen, speak, write, and signal so others can understand ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions ● Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments ● Critical & Analytical Thinking - Use logic, reasoning, and analysis to draw conclusions and address problems ● Customer Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades.
  2. Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
  3. Inform students of the procedures for completing and submitting class work, such as lab reports.
  4. Prepare or proctor examinations.
  5. Tutor or mentor students who need additional instruction.
  6. Meet with supervisors to discuss students' grades or to complete required grade-related paperwork.
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