Position
Salary

How much does a Research Fellow make?

The average salary for a Research Fellow is $67,051 per year in the US.

The role of a Research Fellow is both rewarding and well-compensated. On average, Research Fellows earn about $67,051 per year. This figure represents the median salary, meaning half of all Research Fellows earn more, and half earn less. It’s a positive sign for those considering this career path.


The salary range for Research Fellows is quite broad. At the lower end, some Research Fellows earn around $40,000 annually, while the top earners can make over $175,000 per year. Most Research Fellows fall somewhere in the middle, earning between $60,000 and $75,000 annually. Factors such as experience, industry, and location can significantly impact salary. Research Fellows in higher-paying industries and urban areas often see better compensation.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Fellow?

Research Fellows can expect competitive salaries in top cities such as Boston, MA, and Washington, DC. Boston leads with an average salary of $122,312, offering one of the highest paying opportunities for professionals in this field. Washington, DC, also provides a lucrative environment with an average salary of $90,784. In addition to these cities, Research Fellows can find promising opportunities in Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA. Chicago boasts an average salary of $80,732, while Los Angeles offers $79,539. These cities provide excellent environments for those seeking a balance of professional growth and high earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Fellow jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $122,312 and Baltimore, MD with the lowest at $57,987.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $122,312
    Boston offers a rich environment for research professionals. With universities like Harvard and MIT nearby, job seekers can find opportunities to advance their careers. The city’s dynamic academic scene attracts top talent.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $90,784
    In Washington, DC, research roles often intersect with policy and government. Working here allows for unique insights into public policy. Companies and research institutions thrive in this political hub.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $80,732
    Chicago presents a bustling environment for researchers. The city's universities and research centers provide diverse opportunities. Companies in finance, healthcare, and technology value research skills.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $79,539
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant research landscape. The presence of tech companies and entertainment industries creates unique research opportunities. Researchers here often engage with cutting-edge projects.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Winston-Salem, NC
    Average Salary: $74,796
    Winston-Salem boasts a supportive research community. The city’s educational institutions and healthcare facilities offer solid career options. Researchers here can work on impactful projects.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Winston-Salem, NC


  6. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $70,660
    Rochester is known for its healthcare research. The Mayo Clinic and other institutions make it a great place for medical research. The city offers a collaborative environment for professionals.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Rochester, MN


  7. Jacksonville, FL
    Average Salary: $68,250
    Jacksonville provides a growing market for research professionals. The city's focus on healthcare and technology offers diverse roles. Companies here value innovative research and development.
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  8. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $65,273
    Ann Arbor is a hub for academic research. The University of Michigan offers many opportunities for collaboration. Researchers in Ann Arbor enjoy a strong academic community.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $63,340
    Portland has a thriving research scene, especially in environmental and tech fields. The city's progressive culture supports innovative research. Researchers here work on meaningful projects.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $57,987
    Baltimore offers a blend of urban and academic research opportunities. Johns Hopkins University and other institutions provide rich research environments. The city's diverse industries value skilled researchers.
    Find Research Fellow jobs in Baltimore, MD

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

Research Fellow positions offer solid earnings, and some top employers stand out for their pay. Atrium Health provides an average salary of $75,352, making it a strong choice. Mayo Clinic follows closely, offering an average of $70,157. For those interested in competitive compensation, both organizations provide excellent opportunities. The University of Michigan, UCL, University of Birmingham, and University of Southampton also offer solid pay. The University of Michigan leads this group with an average salary of $66,970. UCL and the University of Birmingham both provide around $64,670, while the University of Southampton offers $55,032. These institutions offer good compensation for Research Fellows.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Fellow jobs, highlighting Atrium Health with the highest at $75,352 and University of Southampton with the lowest at $55,032.
  1. Atrium Health
    Average Salary: $75,352
    Atrium Health offers exciting Research Fellow jobs. They operate in North and South Carolina. Fellows work on health and wellness projects. Atrium Health supports career growth and research in medical and health sciences.


  2. Mayo Clinic
    Average Salary: $70,157
    At Mayo Clinic, Research Fellows work in top-notch facilities. Mayo Clinic is in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. Fellows here focus on innovative research and patient care. The clinic offers many opportunities for professional development.


  3. The University of Michigan
    Average Salary: $66,970
    The University of Michigan provides a vibrant environment for Research Fellows. They work in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fellows engage in cutting-edge research in diverse fields. The university fosters a collaborative and supportive research culture.


  4. UCL
    Average Salary: $64,670
    University College London (UCL) offers Research Fellow positions with strong support. UCL is in London, United Kingdom. Fellows conduct high-quality research and contribute to academic excellence. The institution values innovation and global perspectives.


  5. University of Birmingham
    Average Salary: $58,134
    The University of Birmingham provides opportunities for Research Fellows. It is in Birmingham, England. Fellows here focus on impactful research projects. The university promotes a strong sense of community and academic achievement.


  6. University of Southampton
    Average Salary: $55,032
    The University of Southampton offers Research Fellow jobs with a supportive environment. Located in Southampton, UK, fellows engage in research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge. The university offers resources and a collaborative research setting.

How to earn more as a Research Fellow?

A Research Fellow can increase their earnings by focusing on several key factors. First, gaining experience in different types of research can open doors to higher-paying projects. Specialization in a niche area can also attract more funding and higher-paying roles. Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to new opportunities and higher-paying positions. Taking on leadership roles in research projects can also increase earning potential. Finally, continuously updating skills through training and education can make a Research Fellow more valuable and open up higher-paying positions.

Here are five important factors that can help increase earnings as a Research Fellow:

  1. Diversify Research Experience: Working on a variety of research projects can make a Research Fellow more versatile and attractive to employers.
  2. Specialize in a Niche: Focusing on a specific area of research can lead to expert status and higher-paying opportunities.
  3. Build a Professional Network: Connecting with other professionals can lead to new job opportunities and collaborations.
  4. Take on Leadership Roles: Managing research teams or projects can lead to higher salaries and more responsibility.
  5. Continue Education and Training: Staying current with the latest research methods and technologies can make a Research Fellow more valuable.

Currently 272 Research Fellow job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Research Fellow does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Research Fellow today.
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Research Fellow
272 Job Openings