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How much does a Research Assistant make?

The average salary for a Research Assistant is $46,809 per year in the US.

Research Assistants play a key role in many different fields. They often work in labs, offices, or on-site. Their job is to help with research projects. This can include gathering data, analyzing information, and supporting scientists or researchers. The average yearly salary for a Research Assistant is around $46,809. This is a good starting point for those new to the field.

Research Assistants can earn different amounts based on their experience and the type of work they do. Here are some common salary ranges:

  • 2.68% of Research Assistants earn less than $25,000.
  • 9.45% earn between $25,000 and $30,000.
  • 14.58% earn between $30,000 and $35,000.
  • 19.72% earn between $35,000 and $40,000.
  • 16.81% earn between $40,000 and $45,000.
  • 10.81% earn between $45,000 and $50,000.
  • 7.67% earn between $50,000 and $55,000.
  • 6.56% earn between $55,000 and $60,000.
  • 1.51% earn between $60,000 and $65,000.
  • 1.84% earn between $65,000 and $70,000.
  • 3.36% earn more than $70,000.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Assistant?

Research Assistants can find some of the best pay in San Francisco, California, where the average salary reaches $77,088. Atlanta, Georgia, offers a strong average salary of $69,067 for those in this role. Los Angeles, California, also provides a competitive average salary of $57,858 for Research Assistants. These cities offer attractive compensation packages, making them ideal for professionals seeking rewarding opportunities in research. Dayton, Ohio, and Madison, Wisconsin, also provide solid average salaries, with $57,171 and $56,467, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $77,088 and Houston, TX with the lowest at $53,981.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $77,088
    In San Francisco, you can find many tech companies looking for research talent. Working here means you'll be part of innovative projects. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting research opportunities.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $69,067
    Atlanta is a hub for research in healthcare and technology. Here, you'll work with top-tier institutions like Emory University. You'll contribute to groundbreaking studies and projects.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $57,858
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant research environment with a focus on entertainment and technology. Companies like Disney and Sony provide unique research opportunities. You'll be part of creative and innovative projects.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Dayton, OH
    Average Salary: $57,171
    Dayton is known for its research in aerospace and engineering. Working here means you'll be part of cutting-edge projects. Companies like General Motors and Boeing offer exciting research roles.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Dayton, OH


  5. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $56,467
    Madison is a center for research in biotechnology and education. You'll work with institutions like the University of Wisconsin. Your research will contribute to advancements in healthcare and education.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Madison, WI


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $55,974
    Seattle offers a dynamic research environment with a focus on technology and healthcare. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft provide innovative research opportunities. You'll be part of exciting and impactful projects.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $54,401
    Albany is a hub for research in government and education. Working here means you'll be part of important projects. Institutions like the State University of New York offer valuable research roles.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Albany, NY


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $54,135
    Boston is known for its research in healthcare and education. You'll work with prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT. Your research will contribute to significant advancements in various fields.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $54,135
    Las Vegas offers a unique research environment with a focus on hospitality and entertainment. Working here means you'll be part of innovative projects. Companies like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment offer exciting research opportunities.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  10. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $53,981
    Houston is a center for research in energy and healthcare. You'll work with top companies like ExxonMobil and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Your research will contribute to important advancements in these fields.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Houston, TX

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

Stanford University offers one of the highest salaries for Research Assistants, averaging around $69,509 per year. Leidos and IQVIA also provide competitive pay, with average salaries of $67,691 and $62,668, respectively. Other top-paying institutions include UCLA Health, New York University, and Columbia University, each offering attractive compensation packages for research roles.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford University with the highest at $69,509 and University of Washington with the lowest at $54,025.
  1. Stanford University
    Average Salary: $69,509
    Stanford University offers Research Assistant positions in various departments. The university is located in Stanford, California, and has research centers around the world. Research Assistants here work on cutting-edge projects and have access to top-notch resources.


  2. Leidos
    Average Salary: $67,691
    Leidos provides Research Assistant roles in multiple locations, including Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. The company focuses on science, technology, and engineering. Research Assistants here contribute to national security and health projects.


  3. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $62,668
    IQVIA has Research Assistant positions in many cities across the U.S. and globally. The company specializes in healthcare data and technology. Research Assistants work on projects that improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.


  4. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $62,602
    UCLA Health offers Research Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, California. The institution is part of the University of California system. Research Assistants here engage in groundbreaking medical research and clinical trials.


  5. New York University
    Average Salary: $60,675
    New York University provides Research Assistant positions in New York City. The university is known for its academic excellence. Research Assistants here work on diverse projects, from social sciences to engineering.


  6. Columbia University
    Average Salary: $57,691
    Columbia University offers Research Assistant roles in New York City. The university is renowned for its research and education. Research Assistants here contribute to innovative projects across various fields.


  7. UC San Diego Health
    Average Salary: $57,675
    UC San Diego Health provides Research Assistant positions in San Diego, California. The institution is part of the University of California system. Research Assistants here work on cutting-edge medical research and clinical studies.


  8. University of Kansas Medical Center
    Average Salary: $55,510
    The University of Kansas Medical Center offers Research Assistant jobs in Kansas City, Kansas. The center is dedicated to medical education and research. Research Assistants here engage in projects that improve healthcare and patient care.


  9. University of Hawaii system
    Average Salary: $54,730
    The University of Hawaii system provides Research Assistant positions in Honolulu, Hawaii. The university is known for its research in marine biology and Pacific studies. Research Assistants here work on projects that impact the local community and beyond.


  10. University of Washington
    Average Salary: $54,025
    The University of Washington offers Research Assistant roles in Seattle, Washington. The university is recognized for its research in various fields. Research Assistants here contribute to projects that advance knowledge and innovation.

How to earn more as a Research Assistant?

A Research Assistant can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on key areas, one can enhance their value and potentially earn more. Building a strong skill set, gaining relevant experience, and networking effectively are crucial steps. Each of these factors plays a role in opening up higher-paying opportunities.

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

  1. Skill Development: Invest time in learning new skills. This could include advanced data analysis, programming, or specialized research techniques. The more skills you have, the more valuable you become.
  2. Experience: Seek out diverse research projects. Experience in different fields can make you more versatile and attractive to employers. Each project adds to your knowledge and expertise.
  3. Networking: Build connections with professionals in your field. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with peers on LinkedIn. Networking can lead to new job opportunities and higher-paying positions.
  4. Certifications: Consider earning certifications related to your research area. Certifications can validate your skills and make you stand out to potential employers. They often require additional study and can lead to better job offers.
  5. Seeking Higher Education: Pursue advanced degrees or specialized training. A master's degree or a Ph.D. can significantly increase your earning potential. Higher education often leads to more complex and higher-paying research roles.

Currently 654 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
654 Job Openings