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Salary

How much does a Research Associate make?

The average salary for a Research Associate is $67,834 per year in the US.

Research Associates usually earn a solid income. The average yearly salary stands at $67,834. This range offers a strong starting point for those entering the field.

The salary varies with experience and expertise. Those in the early stages may earn around $36,350. As experience grows, salaries climb, with some reaching over $150,000. Here’s a snapshot of the salary distribution:

  • 10% earn less than $36,350
  • 26.97% earn between $36,350 and $47,006
  • 21.24% earn between $47,006 and $57,661
  • 15.11% earn between $57,661 and $68,317
  • 9.60% earn between $68,317 and $78,973
  • 4.91% earn between $78,973 and $89,628
  • 2.52% earn between $89,628 and $100,284
  • 1.74% earn between $100,284 and $110,940
  • 1.67% earn between $110,940 and $121,595
  • 0.91% earn between $121,595 and $132,251
  • 0.93% earn over $132,251

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Associate?

Cleveland, OH, boasts the highest average salary for Research Associates, offering $105,375 annually. San Francisco, CA, and Boston, MA, follow closely with averages of $95,424 and $84,783, respectively. Other cities like San Jose, CA, Sacramento, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT, also provide competitive salaries for this role.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Associate jobs, highlighting Cleveland, OH with the highest at $105,375 and Rochester, MN with the lowest at $76,803.
  1. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $105,375
    Working in Cleveland offers access to a variety of research sectors, from healthcare to technology. Companies like University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic provide opportunities in medical research. The city's institutions support innovation and professional growth.
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  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $95,424
    San Francisco's tech scene creates a dynamic environment for research associates. Major firms such as Google and UCSF engage in cutting-edge studies. The city’s vibrant culture and access to resources make it a great place for career development.
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  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $84,783
    Boston is home to numerous academic and medical research centers. Working here allows collaboration with institutions like MIT and Harvard. The city’s rich history in education provides ample opportunities for professional advancement.
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  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $82,714
    San Jose stands at the heart of Silicon Valley, offering exciting prospects in tech research. Companies such as Intel and Lockheed Martin focus on innovative projects. The area’s high concentration of tech firms creates a competitive and inspiring environment.
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  5. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $80,325
    Sacramento provides a balanced approach to research with opportunities in both government and private sectors. The state capital hosts research initiatives in environmental science and public policy. Working here offers stability and a chance to impact policy decisions.
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  6. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $78,973
    Salt Lake City combines a strong research community with a welcoming atmosphere. Companies like the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare are key players in medical and scientific research. The city’s lower cost of living enhances quality of life.
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  7. Winston-Salem, NC
    Average Salary: $77,679
    In Winston-Salem, research opportunities span healthcare, technology, and education. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and IBM are prominent employers. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and a friendly community, ideal for career growth.
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  8. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $77,171
    Charlotte’s growing tech scene presents exciting research roles. Firms like Bank of America and Duke Energy focus on financial and energy research. The city’s economic growth and quality of life attract many professionals.
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  9. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $77,070
    New Haven is a hub for academic research, hosting institutions like Yale University. Working here involves engaging in a variety of studies, from social sciences to medical research. The city’s vibrant cultural scene complements a stimulating work environment.
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  10. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $76,803
    Rochester offers a unique blend of research and healthcare, thanks to the Mayo Clinic. The city provides opportunities to work on groundbreaking medical research. Its small-town feel with big-city amenities makes it an attractive place to live and work.
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What are the best companies a Research Associate can work for?

Research Associates can expect competitive salaries at top companies. Wells Fargo leads with an average salary of about $184,891. Morgan Stanley and Truist also offer substantial pay, with averages around $170,194 and $167,823, respectively. Other notable companies include TD Bank, RBC, and Institute for Defense Analyses, each providing attractive compensation packages for Research Associates. These companies value their research professionals and reflect this in their salary offerings.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Associate jobs, highlighting Wells Fargo with the highest at $184,891 and KeyBank with the lowest at $112,292.
  1. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $184,891
    Wells Fargo offers Research Associate roles in various locations, including San Francisco, Charlotte, and Phoenix. These positions involve working on data analysis, market research, and risk management. The company values diversity and inclusion in its workplace.


  2. Morgan Stanley
    Average Salary: $170,194
    Morgan Stanley provides Research Associate positions in cities like New York, London, and Hong Kong. These roles focus on investment research, financial analysis, and client strategy. The firm emphasizes personal growth and professional development.


  3. Truist
    Average Salary: $167,823
    Truist offers Research Associate jobs in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Jacksonville. These positions involve economic research, financial modeling, and market analysis. The company promotes a collaborative and innovative work culture.


  4. TD Bank
    Average Salary: $146,391
    TD Bank provides Research Associate roles in Toronto, New York, and Miami. These positions focus on economic research, data analysis, and market trends. The bank encourages a diverse and inclusive environment.


  5. RBC
    Average Salary: $126,854
    RBC offers Research Associate positions in Toronto, New York, and London. These roles involve market research, financial analysis, and economic forecasting. The company values customer service and teamwork.


  6. Institute for Defense Analyses
    Average Salary: $121,614
    The Institute for Defense Analyses provides Research Associate roles in Alexandria, Virginia, and various remote locations. These positions focus on national security research, policy analysis, and strategic planning. The institute values intellectual curiosity and integrity.


  7. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $118,120
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory offers Research Associate positions in Livermore, California. These roles involve scientific research, data analysis, and technical writing. The lab promotes a collaborative and innovative research environment.


  8. Stifel
    Average Salary: $116,186
    Stifel offers Research Associate roles in St. Louis, New York, and Minneapolis. These positions focus on financial research, market analysis, and investment strategies. The firm values a client-focused approach and professional development.


  9. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $113,370
    Deloitte provides Research Associate roles in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and London. These positions involve data analysis, market research, and strategic consulting. The company promotes a culture of learning and collaboration.


  10. KeyBank
    Average Salary: $112,292
    KeyBank offers Research Associate jobs in Cleveland, Seattle, and Portland. These roles focus on economic research, financial analysis, and market trends. The bank values a customer-centric approach and professional growth.

How to earn more as a Research Associate?

A Research Associate can take several steps to boost their earnings. These strategies focus on skill enhancement, networking, and staying updated with industry trends. Increasing your value to employers often leads to higher pay.

First, consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. These qualifications can lead to higher-paying positions. For instance, an MBA or a specialized certification in data analysis can be beneficial. Second, gaining experience in various research settings helps build a versatile skill set. This experience makes a candidate more attractive to employers. Third, expanding the professional network can lead to more job opportunities. Attending industry conferences and joining professional associations helps connect with potential employers. Fourth, developing strong communication skills ensures research findings reach the right audience. Effective communication can lead to more impactful research and, often, higher compensation. Finally, seeking out mentorship can provide valuable insights into career progression. Mentors often guide career paths and suggest opportunities for growth.

Focusing on these areas not only enhances job performance but also opens up higher-paying opportunities. Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Pursue advanced degrees or certifications
  2. Gain experience in various research settings
  3. Expand the professional network
  4. Develop strong communication skills
  5. Seek out mentorship

Currently 1,119 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
1,119 Job Openings