How much does a Research Assistant make in Washington, DC?
In Washington, DC, Research Assistants earn a competitive salary, helping them support various research projects. The average yearly salary for a Research Assistant in the area is $47,116. This income level can vary depending on experience, education, and specific industry.
Research Assistants in Washington, DC, work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, and government. The salary can change with different sectors. For example, those in healthcare and government sectors often earn higher salaries compared to those in educational research. A Research Assistant can expect to make anywhere from around $35,000 to over $72,000 per year. The pay scale can also be influenced by the level of responsibility and the complexity of the research tasks they perform.
What are the highest paying cities for a Research Assistant near Washington, DC?

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Frederick, MD
Average Salary: $62,662
In Frederick, a Research Assistant finds opportunities with major companies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The job offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge research. The community is welcoming, and the cost of living is moderate.
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Annapolis, MD
Average Salary: $59,402
Annapolis provides a unique blend of historic charm and modern opportunities for Research Assistants. Working with organizations like the U.S. Naval Academy, the role offers valuable experience. The city’s vibrant culture makes it a great place to live and work.
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Rockville, MD
Average Salary: $53,401
Rockville is known for its thriving biotech sector, offering exciting roles for Research Assistants. Companies like Leidos Biomedical Research provide valuable experience. The city's excellent public transportation makes commuting easy and the community is friendly.
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Bethesda, MD
Average Salary: $50,862
Bethesda boasts a high concentration of research institutions, giving Research Assistants numerous job options. Working with leaders like the National Institutes of Health offers a rich learning experience. The city’s diverse community and amenities enhance the work experience.
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Silver Spring, MD
Average Salary: $48,426
Silver Spring is a hub for scientific research, with many opportunities for Research Assistants. Working with companies like SRA International provides practical skills. The city’s cultural events and eateries make it a vibrant place to work.
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Gaithersburg, MD
Average Salary: $48,300
Gaithersburg is home to several tech firms, offering dynamic roles for Research Assistants. Companies like Honeywell International provide cutting-edge projects. The city’s affordable housing and close proximity to D.C. add to its appeal.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $45,555
Baltimore offers a mix of urban excitement and research opportunities for Assistants. Working with Johns Hopkins University or the University of Maryland, Baltimore, provides valuable experience. The city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene make it an attractive place to live and work.
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What are the best paying companies for a Research Assistant in Washington, DC?

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Kaiser Family Foundation
Average Salary: $70,800
The Kaiser Family Foundation focuses on national health issues and is located in Menlo Park, CA, and Washington, DC. Research Assistants here work on projects related to health policy and health care data analysis. The position offers opportunities to contribute to impactful research in health care.
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Library Of Congress
Average Salary: $69,792
As the research arm of the U.S. Congress, the Library Of Congress operates in Washington, DC. Research Assistants here play a crucial role in managing the extensive collections and archives. They often work on projects that support legislative and research activities.
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Center for Strategic and International Studies
Average Salary: $60,000
The Center for Strategic and International Studies is a think tank based in Washington, DC. Research Assistants here engage in policy research related to global security, economic stability, and international development. The role provides exposure to high-level policy analysis.
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Investment Company Institute
Average Salary: $59,500
Founded in 1930, the Investment Company Institute is an association of the U.S. investment company industry. Located in Washington, DC, Research Assistants work on investment research and data analysis. They support efforts to advocate for the industry.
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Stimson Center
Average Salary: $57,917
The Stimson Center is a think tank in Washington, DC, focusing on international security, economics, and governance. Research Assistants here conduct research on global issues and contribute to policy recommendations. They work on projects that impact international policy.
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The Urban Institute
Average Salary: $57,320
The Urban Institute is a non-profit research organization in Washington, DC. Research Assistants here analyze data on social, economic, and public policy issues. They support projects that aim to improve lives through policy research.
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The Brookings Institution
Average Salary: $56,154
The Brookings Institution is a think tank in Washington, DC. Research Assistants work on a range of policy issues, from economic growth to national security. They support high-profile research projects that influence policy.
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Center for Global Development
Average Salary: $55,386
The Center for Global Development is a think tank in Washington, DC, focusing on international development. Research Assistants here conduct research on global poverty, health, and governance. They contribute to policy recommendations that aim to improve lives worldwide.
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IHOP
Average Salary: $52,500
IHOP, located in Washington, DC, is known for its international pancakes. While primarily a restaurant, it offers opportunities for Research Assistants in market research and customer experience. The role provides insights into consumer preferences and dining trends.
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Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Average Salary: $52,333
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a non-profit think tank in Washington, DC. Research Assistants here work on international affairs and policy research. They contribute to projects that promote peace and security worldwide.
What are the best paying Research Assistant related jobs in Washington, DC?

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Global Analytics Head
Average Salary: $233,292
Companies like Amazon and Microsoft need skilled professionals to oversee data and analytics. They manage teams and drive decision-making. This role combines leadership with technical know-how.
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Biostatistician
Average Salary: $190,000
Firms such as Pfizer and Johns Hopkins seek experts to analyze health data. They play a key role in clinical trials and public health research. This position requires a strong background in statistics and biology.
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Global Sales Manager
Average Salary: $123,865
At companies like Cisco and IBM, this role involves managing sales teams worldwide. They develop strategies to boost sales and market share. It requires excellent leadership and communication skills.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $111,147
Organizations such as the Pew Research Center and Gallup look for managers to lead research projects. They coordinate teams and ensure quality in data collection. Strong organizational skills are essential for success.
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Quality Assurance Specialist
Average Salary: $103,123
Companies like NASA and the National Institutes of Health hire specialists to ensure product quality. They test and evaluate products to meet standards. This role is detail-oriented and focuses on precision.
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Agricultural Specialist
Average Salary: $100,406
Agencies like the USDA and World Bank need experts to improve farming practices. They work on projects to enhance crop yields and sustainability. This job often involves fieldwork and research.
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Technical Writer
Average Salary: $98,312
Firms like Intel and Adobe seek writers to create clear documentation. They translate complex information into easy-to-understand guides. Strong writing skills and attention to detail are necessary for this role.
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Data Analyst
Average Salary: $98,042
Companies such as Google and Facebook hire analysts to interpret data. They use data to help make informed business decisions. This role involves a mix of technical skills and analytical thinking.
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Research Fellow
Average Salary: $85,517
Universities and research institutions like Harvard and Stanford look for fellows to conduct independent research. They contribute to their field and often publish their findings. This position demands a strong research background.
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Field Coordinator
Average Salary: $83,729
Organizations such as the Red Cross and NGOs need coordinators to manage field operations. They ensure that projects run smoothly and efficiently. This role requires strong organizational and leadership skills.
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