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How much does a Research Assistant make?

The average salary for a Research Assistant is $46,931 per year in the US.

A Research Assistant plays a key role in various scientific and academic projects. They help gather data, analyze information, and support researchers. The average yearly salary for a Research Assistant is around $46,931. This salary can vary based on the industry, location, and level of experience.


Research Assistants can earn different amounts depending on their job. Here are some common salary ranges:

  • 25% earn less than $30,455
  • 50% earn between $30,455 and $45,318
  • 75% earn between $45,318 and $55,227
  • 90% earn less than $60,182
These figures show that many Research Assistants make a solid income, especially as they gain more experience and skills.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Assistant?

Research Assistant jobs offer competitive pay in several cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $78,814. Atlanta, GA, and Los Angeles, CA, follow closely, offering $67,452 and $58,094, respectively. Other cities also provide attractive salaries. Madison, WI, and Seattle, WA, offer $56,705 and $55,795, respectively. Houston, TX, and Albany, NY, provide $54,921 and $54,401, respectively. Boston, MA, Las Vegas, NV, and Boulder, CO, round out the list with salaries of $54,183, $54,135, and $53,759, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $78,814 and Boulder, CO with the lowest at $53,759.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $78,814
    In San Francisco, you can find exciting opportunities in tech and biotech. Companies like Google and UCSF offer dynamic research environments. The city's vibrant culture and networking events make it a great place to grow professionally.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $67,452
    Atlanta is a hub for research and development. With companies like Emory University and CDC, you can work on impactful projects. The city's growing tech scene provides many chances to collaborate with innovative minds.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $58,094
    Los Angeles offers a diverse range of research opportunities. UCLA and USC are prominent institutions. The city's entertainment industry also provides unique research angles, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $56,705
    Madison is known for its academic institutions. UW-Madison offers many research opportunities. The city's friendly community and outdoor activities make it a great place to live and work.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Madison, WI


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $55,795
    Seattle is a tech-driven city with many research opportunities. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer cutting-edge projects. The city's natural beauty and vibrant culture enhance the work experience.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $54,921
    Houston is a leader in energy and healthcare research. Institutions like MD Anderson and NASA provide exciting projects. The city's diverse culture and warm hospitality make it welcoming for newcomers.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Houston, TX


  7. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $54,401
    Albany offers a mix of government and academic research opportunities. SUNY Albany and the New York State government provide stable positions. The city's rich history and cultural events add to the experience.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Albany, NY


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $54,183
    Boston is a center for education and research. Harvard and MIT offer prestigious positions. The city's historic charm and vibrant academic community make it an ideal place to work.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $54,135
    Las Vegas is an emerging research hub. UNLV and various tech startups offer innovative projects. The city's entertainment industry and vibrant nightlife provide a unique work-life balance.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  10. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $53,759
    Boulder is known for its outdoor activities and research institutions. CU Boulder offers many research opportunities. The city's healthy lifestyle and stunning natural surroundings make it a great place to work.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Boulder, CO

What are the best companies a Research Assistant can work for?

Stanford University offers one of the highest salaries for research assistants, with an average of $70,408. Leidos follows closely, providing an average salary of $66,993. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center also pays well, with an average salary of $62,618. These top-paying companies provide excellent opportunities for research assistants. They offer competitive salaries and valuable experience. Job seekers should consider these employers for promising career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford University with the highest at $70,408 and University of Hawaii system with the lowest at $56,085.
  1. Stanford University
    Average Salary: $70,408
    Stanford University offers Research Assistant positions in various departments. The university operates in Stanford, California. Research Assistants here work on cutting-edge projects and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.


  2. Leidos
    Average Salary: $66,993
    Leidos provides Research Assistant roles in multiple locations, including Virginia, Maryland, and Colorado. Employees work on projects for government and commercial clients. The role involves a mix of lab work and data analysis.


  3. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Average Salary: $62,618
    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers Research Assistant positions in Seattle, Washington. Here, Research Assistants contribute to cancer research. The center provides a collaborative environment with many opportunities for professional development.


  4. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $62,548
    IQVIA has Research Assistant positions in many locations, including North Carolina, California, and Pennsylvania. Employees work on clinical research projects. The role involves data collection and analysis, supporting the healthcare industry.


  5. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $62,509
    UCLA Health offers Research Assistant roles in Los Angeles, California. Here, Research Assistants work on health-related projects. The university provides a dynamic environment with access to top-tier medical facilities.


  6. New York University
    Average Salary: $60,082
    New York University offers Research Assistant positions in New York City, New York. Employees work on a variety of research projects. The university provides a vibrant academic environment with many resources.


  7. UC San Diego Health
    Average Salary: $58,437
    UC San Diego Health offers Research Assistant roles in San Diego, California. Employees work on health and medical research. The institution provides a supportive environment with access to advanced research facilities.


  8. Columbia University
    Average Salary: $56,981
    Columbia University offers Research Assistant positions in New York City, New York. Employees work on a wide range of research projects. The university provides a prestigious academic environment with many opportunities for growth.


  9. Research Foundation CUNY
    Average Salary: $56,731
    Research Foundation CUNY offers Research Assistant roles in New York City, New York. Employees work on various research projects. The foundation provides a diverse environment with many academic resources.


  10. University of Hawaii system
    Average Salary: $56,085
    The University of Hawaii system offers Research Assistant positions in Honolulu, Hawaii. Employees work on research projects related to the Pacific region. The university provides a unique environment with access to natural resources.

How to earn more as a Research Assistant?

A Research Assistant can find several ways to enhance their earning potential. By focusing on skills and experiences that add value, a Research Assistant can increase their salary and career opportunities. One key factor is gaining specialized skills in data analysis or specific research methodologies. These skills make a Research Assistant more valuable to employers. Another factor is taking on leadership roles in research projects. Leading a team or managing a project can lead to higher pay.

Networking and building relationships within the research community can also lead to higher-paying positions. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can open doors to better opportunities. Additionally, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can significantly boost earnings. Higher education often leads to more complex and higher-paying research roles. Finally, seeking out roles in high-demand fields or industries can increase earning potential. Research in areas like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and technology often offers higher salaries.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Research Assistant:

  1. Gain specialized skills in data analysis or research methodologies.
  2. Take on leadership roles in research projects.
  3. Network and build relationships within the research community.
  4. Pursue advanced degrees or certifications.
  5. Seek roles in high-demand fields or industries.

Currently 651 Research Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Research Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Research Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Research Assistant today.
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Research Assistant
651 Job Openings