Position
Salary

How much does a Research Assistant make?

The average salary for a Research Assistant is $45,818 per year in the US.

A Research Assistant supports scientists and other researchers in various fields. They often help with data collection, analysis, and documentation. The average yearly salary for a Research Assistant stands at $45,818, with earnings varying based on experience and location. This role offers a chance to gain valuable experience in research settings.

To give you a clearer picture, here's a breakdown of how salaries can vary:

  • 10% earn less than $26,000
  • 10% earn less than $30,455
  • 20% earn less than $34,909
  • 30% earn less than $39,364
  • 50% earn less than $43,818
  • 70% earn less than $48,273
  • 80% earn less than $52,727
  • 90% earn less than $57,182
  • 95% earn less than $61,636
  • 99% earn less than $66,091
  • 99.9% earn less than $70,545
  • 100% earn less than $75,000

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Assistant?

Job seekers looking for Research Assistant positions can find higher pay in San Francisco, CA, and Los Angeles, CA. These cities offer an average salary that stands above $55,000. Job seekers should consider these locations for better financial rewards in their roles. Research Assistants in College Station, TX, and Houston, TX, also enjoy competitive pay. The average salaries in these cities range from about $55,000 to $62,000. These areas provide promising opportunities for those aiming to balance job satisfaction with salary.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $92,862 and Boulder, CO with the lowest at $54,382.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $92,862
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for research assistants. The city's tech and biotech industries provide a wealth of opportunities. Companies like Google and UCSF are known for their research programs.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. College Station, TX
    Average Salary: $62,670
    Working in College Station offers a unique mix of academic and industry research. Texas A&M University plays a major role in research, providing diverse opportunities. The area is known for its supportive research community.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in College Station, TX


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $59,935
    Los Angeles is a hub for varied research fields. With UCLA and USC leading the way, opportunities are plentiful. Researchers here often work on cutting-edge projects in health, technology, and social sciences.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $59,843
    Atlanta offers a vibrant research scene with a mix of industries. Georgia Tech and Emory University provide many research openings. The city's growing tech sector adds to the variety of research opportunities.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA


  5. Knoxville, TN
    Average Salary: $59,500
    Knoxville is a city that values education and research. The University of Tennessee is a key player in research activities. Assistants here enjoy a close-knit community and diverse research projects.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Knoxville, TN


  6. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $58,112
    New Haven is home to Yale University, a major center for research. Working here means being part of groundbreaking studies. The academic environment is rigorous and rewarding.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in New Haven, CT


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $55,462
    Seattle's research landscape is influenced by its tech giants. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon offer exciting research roles. The city is known for its innovative spirit and diverse research opportunities.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $55,293
    Houston's research scene is diverse, with a focus on healthcare and energy. The presence of institutions like Baylor College of Medicine offers many research positions. It's a city where research meets industry.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Houston, TX


  9. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $55,108
    Madison is known for its strong academic and research institutions. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a leader in research. Assistants here work on impactful studies in various fields.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Madison, WI


  10. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $54,382
    Boulder offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and research opportunities. The University of Colorado Boulder is a major research center. Assistants enjoy working in a community that values both science and the environment.
    Find Research Assistant jobs in Boulder, CO

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

Stanford University leads the pack in paying research assistants, offering an average salary of $77,908. Texas A&M University follows closely, paying $66,519 annually. UCLA Health and UC San Diego Health also rank high, providing competitive salaries for this role. IQVIA, Scripps Research, and Howard University offer attractive compensation packages, making them desirable employers. The Hospital for Special Surgery, Yale University, and the University of Colorado provide solid salaries, each offering over $57,000 per year. These institutions value research assistants and recognize the importance of competitive pay in attracting top talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford University with the highest at $77,908 and University of Colorado with the lowest at $57,818.
  1. Stanford University
    Average Salary: $77,908
    Stanford University offers exciting opportunities for Research Assistants. Researchers work in labs across the campus in various fields such as computer science, medicine, and engineering. The university is located in Stanford, California.


  2. Texas A&M University
    Average Salary: $66,519
    At Texas A&M University, Research Assistants support a wide range of projects in agriculture, engineering, and health sciences. The university operates across multiple locations in Texas.


  3. UCLA Health
    Average Salary: $64,737
    UCLA Health offers dynamic roles for Research Assistants in Los Angeles. They focus on advancing medical research in cancer, neuroscience, and cardiovascular diseases.


  4. UC San Diego Health
    Average Salary: $61,585
    UC San Diego Health provides opportunities for Research Assistants in San Diego. They work on innovative projects in health and medical research, including genetics and infectious diseases.


  5. IQVIA
    Average Salary: $61,502
    IQVIA offers diverse roles for Research Assistants worldwide. They work on data-driven research in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, supporting studies that improve patient outcomes.


  6. Scripps Research
    Average Salary: $60,246
    Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, provides opportunities for Research Assistants in biomedical science. They focus on groundbreaking research in immunology, neuroscience, and more.


  7. Howard University
    Average Salary: $60,182
    Howard University offers roles for Research Assistants in Washington, D.C. They contribute to research in various fields, including health sciences and social sciences.


  8. Hospital for Special Surgery
    Average Salary: $59,467
    Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City offers Research Assistant positions focused on orthopedics and rheumatology. Researchers work in state-of-the-art facilities to improve patient care.


  9. Yale University
    Average Salary: $58,321
    Yale University provides Research Assistant roles in New Haven, Connecticut. They support research in fields like psychology, medicine, and social sciences.


  10. University of Colorado
    Average Salary: $57,818
    The University of Colorado offers Research Assistant positions in Boulder and Denver. Researchers work on projects in areas like environmental science, engineering, and health sciences.

How to earn more as a Research Assistant?

Becoming a top-earning Research Assistant requires more than just data collection. It involves a blend of skills, dedication, and strategic choices. Sharpening these areas can help boost earning potential. Working smart and making informed choices can lead to higher salaries and more opportunities. This article explores key factors that can lead to higher earnings in the research field.

Research Assistants can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key factors. Building a strong foundation of expertise in a specific research area can set them apart. Networking with professionals and staying updated on industry trends enhances visibility and opens doors to better-paying positions. Here are some steps to take:

  1. Develop specialized skills: Learn advanced research methods and technologies. Master specific tools and software used in the research field. This expertise makes the assistant more valuable to employers.
  2. Pursue higher education: A master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field can increase earning potential. Advanced degrees often lead to higher-paying roles and more responsibilities.
  3. Gain experience: Work on diverse projects to build a comprehensive portfolio. Each project adds value and demonstrates a broad skill set to potential employers.
  4. Network actively: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars. Connect with peers and industry leaders. Strong relationships can lead to job offers and career advancements.
  5. Seek mentorship: Find mentors in the field. Their guidance can provide insights into career growth and opportunities that may not be widely known.

Currently 816 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.
Position
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Research Assistant
816 Job Openings