Position
Salary

How much does a Research Associate make?

The average salary for a Research Associate is $66,464 per year in the US.

A Research Associate typically earns an average yearly salary of $66,464. This salary can vary based on experience and specific industry. Research Associates with less experience may start at the lower end of the range, while those with more experience or in specialized fields may earn towards the higher end. This career path offers growth opportunities, which can lead to higher earnings over time.

Salary distribution for Research Associates shows that many earn between $47,457 and $76,720 annually. About 29.46% of Research Associates earn between $47,457 and $57,212. A significant portion, around 21.76%, earn between $57,212 and $66,966. As experience and skills grow, the potential to move into higher salary brackets increases. For those who excel, salaries can go as high as $145,000 per year.

View Research Associate jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Research Associate?

Research Associates often earn more in cities with big tech firms or research institutions. San Francisco tops the list with an average salary of nearly $96,317, followed by Cleveland and San Jose. These high salaries reflect the strong demand for research expertise in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Associate jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $96,317 and Charlotte, NC with the lowest at $75,606.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $96,317
    In San Francisco, professionals can join tech giants like Google and Salesforce. The city offers a vibrant atmosphere and a collaborative work culture. Many opportunities focus on innovation and technology.
    Find Research Associate jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $95,887
    Cleveland provides a mix of healthcare and research opportunities. University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic offer diverse projects. The city's focus on innovation and technology makes it a dynamic place to work.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Cleveland, OH


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $87,426
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers top tech companies like Apple and Intel. Professionals here work on cutting-edge research and development. The city's tech-centric environment fosters growth and innovation.
    Find Research Associate jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Winston-Salem, NC
    Average Salary: $84,332
    Winston-Salem is known for its healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Companies like Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center provide research opportunities. The city offers a supportive and collaborative work environment.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Winston-Salem, NC


  5. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $82,797
    Boulder's research scene benefits from its scenic environment. The University of Colorado and local tech firms offer diverse projects. The community values outdoor activities and a healthy work-life balance.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $80,663
    Boston boasts a rich academic and healthcare environment. Harvard and MIT provide excellent research opportunities. The city's historic and intellectual vibe makes it ideal for academic research.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Boston, MA


  7. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $80,640
    New Haven offers a strong academic presence with Yale University. Professionals here work on a range of research projects. The city's cultural richness enhances the work experience.
    Find Research Associate jobs in New Haven, CT


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $79,070
    Seattle offers a unique blend of technology and natural beauty. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft drive tech research. The city's innovative spirit creates a stimulating work environment.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $78,802
    Rochester is a hub for medical research, thanks to the Mayo Clinic. Professionals here work on groundbreaking studies. The city's strong healthcare focus provides a meaningful work environment.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Rochester, MN


  10. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $75,606
    Charlotte offers a mix of financial services and tech research. Companies like Bank of America and IBM provide diverse opportunities. The city's growing tech scene fosters innovation and collaboration.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Charlotte, NC

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

Morgan Stanley and Truist offer the highest salaries for research associate roles. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive to job seekers. Additionally, esteemed institutions like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory also offer good salaries and valuable career opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Associate jobs, highlighting Morgan Stanley with the highest at $172,139 and Deloitte with the lowest at $114,186.
  1. Morgan Stanley
    Average Salary: $172,139
    Morgan Stanley offers Research Associate positions in finance, investment banking, and securities trading. The company operates globally with major hubs in New York, London, and Hong Kong.


  2. Truist
    Average Salary: $165,391
    Truist provides Research Associate jobs in banking and financial services. The company serves clients across the United States with a significant presence in the Southeast region.


  3. Kelly
    Average Salary: $132,538
    Kelly offers Research Associate positions in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. The company operates in multiple locations across the United States.


  4. Stifel
    Average Salary: $132,167
    Stifel provides Research Associate jobs in investment banking, financial services, and brokerage. The company has offices across the United States, with major hubs in St. Louis, New York, and San Francisco.


  5. Institute for Defense Analyses
    Average Salary: $124,685
    The Institute for Defense Analyses offers Research Associate positions in defense and national security. The company operates out of Alexandria, Virginia, providing analysis and research for the U.S. government.


  6. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Average Salary: $122,142
    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers Research Associate jobs in medical and scientific research. The company operates in Seattle, Washington, focusing on cancer research and treatment.


  7. RBC
    Average Salary: $121,023
    RBC provides Research Associate positions in financial services and banking. The company operates in Canada and the United States with major offices in Toronto, New York, and London.


  8. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $120,804
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory offers Research Associate jobs in scientific research and national security. The company operates in Livermore, California, conducting research for the U.S. Department of Energy.


  9. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $119,532
    Vertex Pharmaceuticals offers Research Associate positions in biopharmaceutical research and development. The company operates in Boston, Massachusetts, focusing on developing treatments for serious diseases.


  10. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $114,186
    Deloitte provides Research Associate jobs in consulting, technology, and financial advisory services. The company operates globally with major offices in New York, London, and Sydney.

How to earn more as a Research Associate?

Research Associates can explore several avenues to increase their earning potential. Gaining additional skills and certifications can open new opportunities and higher-paying positions. Employers value professionals who can bring specialized knowledge to a team. Working on complex projects or taking on leadership roles within a team can lead to higher salaries. Networking within the industry also helps Research Associates learn about higher-paying jobs and connect with potential employers.

Research Associates should consider pursuing advanced degrees or specialized certifications relevant to their field. These qualifications can lead to more responsibilities and higher pay. Volunteering to lead projects or mentoring junior staff can demonstrate leadership skills. Building a strong professional network allows Research Associates to discover new job openings and potentially negotiate better salaries. Engaging with professional associations and attending industry conferences can also provide career advancement opportunities.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Acquire advanced degrees or certifications.
  2. Lead projects or mentor junior staff.
  3. Build a strong professional network.
  4. Engage with professional associations.
  5. Attend industry conferences.

Currently 1,076 Research Associate job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Research Associate does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Research Associate today.
Position
Overview
Research Associate
1,076 Job Openings