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How much does a Research Associate make?

The average salary for a Research Associate is $66,587 per year in the US.

Research Associates play a key role in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data. Their work supports various scientific and technical projects across multiple industries. The average yearly salary for Research Associates stands at about $66,587, offering a stable income for those in this role.


Research Associates can expect to earn between $37,000 and $145,000 per year. This wide range reflects the varying levels of experience, the complexity of projects, and the specific industry. For example, those in the higher salary brackets often have more experience or specialize in high-demand areas. The range suggests that with experience and skill, Research Associates can see significant salary growth.


  • 10th percentile: $37,000
  • 25th percentile: $46,818
  • 50th percentile: $66,455
  • 75th percentile: $86,091
  • 90th percentile: $125,364
  • 95th percentile: $135,182
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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Associate?

Cleveland, OH, leads the way for Research Associates with the highest average salary at $106,781. Close behind, San Francisco, CA, offers an attractive average salary of $97,469, making it a competitive choice for job seekers. In the tech hub of San Jose, CA, Research Associates can expect an average salary of $86,369. Other cities with competitive salaries include Boston, MA, Winston-Salem, NC, and Boulder, CO. These cities offer an average salary range from $79,318 to $83,120. Such figures make these locations ideal for those seeking a balance between cost of living and income.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Associate jobs, highlighting Cleveland, OH with the highest at $106,781 and Rochester, MN with the lowest at $77,042.
  1. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $106,781
    In Cleveland, research associates often work in healthcare and biotechnology. Many focus on clinical studies and work with top firms like the Cleveland Clinic. The city's strong academic scene offers many opportunities.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Cleveland, OH


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $97,469
    San Francisco attracts research associates with its tech giants. Companies like Google and UCSF offer exciting projects. The city's vibrant community also makes it a great place to live and work.
    Find Research Associate jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $86,369
    San Jose is known for its tech industry, offering many chances for research associates. Working with companies like Intel and Cisco can be very rewarding. The area also provides a high quality of life.
    Find Research Associate jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $83,120
    Boston offers a mix of healthcare and academic research. Working with Harvard and MIT can be very fulfilling. The city's rich history and culture make it a unique place to work.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Winston-Salem, NC
    Average Salary: $82,355
    Winston-Salem is a growing hub for research, especially in healthcare. Companies like Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center offer many opportunities. The city's small-town feel with big-city amenities is very appealing.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Winston-Salem, NC


  6. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $79,624
    Boulder is a great place for those who love the outdoors and research. Working with companies like Google and Ball Aerospace is common. The city's vibrant community and scenic beauty are big draws.
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  7. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $79,318
    New Haven is home to Yale University, offering many research opportunities. Associates work on cutting-edge projects with prestigious institutions. The city's historic charm and close-knit community add to the appeal.
    Find Research Associate jobs in New Haven, CT


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $77,957
    Sacramento offers a blend of government and private research. Working with the state government and companies like Cisco can be very rewarding. The city's affordable cost of living is a big plus.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $77,112
    Seattle is a tech hub, offering many research jobs. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft provide exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant culture and natural beauty make it a great place to work and live.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $77,042
    Rochester is known for its healthcare research. Working with the Mayo Clinic can be very rewarding. The city's strong sense of community and quality of life make it a great place to work.
    Find Research Associate jobs in Rochester, MN

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

Research Associate jobs at top companies like Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley offer competitive salaries. Wells Fargo pays an average of $184,775, while Morgan Stanley offers $169,900. These roles require strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Other high-paying firms include Truist and RBC, with average salaries of $167,071 and $126,289, respectively. Stifel, Institute for Defense Analyses, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center also provide attractive compensation packages. Each company values research and innovation, making these positions rewarding career choices.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Associate jobs, highlighting Wells Fargo with the highest at $184,775 and Vertex Pharmaceuticals with the lowest at $114,163.
  1. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $184,775
    Wells Fargo offers rewarding Research Associate roles that focus on enhancing financial services. The company has branches across the United States. Their Research Associates gather and analyze data to support investment strategies.


  2. Morgan Stanley
    Average Salary: $169,900
    At Morgan Stanley, Research Associates contribute to market research and financial analysis. They operate globally, with significant offices in New York, London, and Hong Kong. They work on projects to provide investment insights.


  3. Truist
    Average Salary: $167,071
    Truist provides Research Associate positions that involve data analysis and research support. The company has locations in major cities across the U.S. Research Associates here work on projects to improve banking services.


  4. RBC
    Average Salary: $126,289
    Royal Bank of Canada offers Research Associate roles focused on financial market analysis. They have offices in Canada and the United States. Research Associates conduct studies to support financial decision-making.


  5. Stifel
    Average Salary: $124,004
    Stifel offers Research Associate roles in market analysis and investment research. The company is based in the U.S. with offices in key financial hubs. Research Associates work on projects to provide clients with market insights.


  6. Institute for Defense Analyses
    Average Salary: $123,987
    The Institute for Defense Analyses hires Research Associates for defense and national security research. They are based in Virginia, with a focus on providing in-depth analysis to government agencies.


  7. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Average Salary: $122,142
    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers Research Associate positions in biomedical research. They are located in Seattle, Washington. Research Associates here work on projects to advance cancer research and treatment.


  8. Kelly
    Average Salary: $120,867
    Kelly provides Research Associate roles that support data analysis and market research. They operate in many locations worldwide. Research Associates work on projects to provide valuable insights to their clients.


  9. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $119,131
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory offers Research Associate positions in scientific research. They are based in California. Research Associates work on projects related to national security and science.


  10. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $114,163
    Vertex Pharmaceuticals provides Research Associate roles in drug discovery and development. They are located in Boston, Massachusetts. Research Associates work on projects to develop new treatments for diseases.

How to earn more as a Research Associate?

A Research Associate can increase their earnings by focusing on a few key areas. Developing specialized skills can lead to higher-paying positions. This includes expertise in specific software or techniques relevant to your research field. Staying updated on the latest research trends also helps in making a significant impact, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Building connections with other professionals in your field opens doors to new job opportunities. Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops can enhance your professional network. Additionally, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues provides valuable insights and career guidance. This can help in navigating the job market more effectively and negotiating better salaries.

Another way to earn more is to consider advancing your education. A master’s degree or a Ph.D. can open up higher-level research positions that pay more. These advanced degrees also provide deeper knowledge and skills, making a candidate more competitive. Publishing research findings in reputable journals adds credibility and can attract more job offers. Below are some factors that can help a Research Associate earn more:

  1. Specialized Skills
  2. Networking
  3. Advanced Education
  4. Publishing Research
  5. Gaining Experience

Currently 1,082 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
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Research Associate
1,082 Job Openings