Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of research assistants that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of research assistants:
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Research Assistant Professor is the highest-paid type of research assistant with an average salary of $73,455 and an average hourly rate of $35.31.
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The second highest-paying type of research assistant is research and development assistant, with an average salary of $63,157.
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The average research assistant salary is $42,896 per year, and the average hourly pay is $20.62.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a research assistant, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of research assistants are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of research assistants:
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Research Assistant Professor
Average Salary: $73,455
A research assistant professor works part-time at colleges or universities where they focus on conducting research and extensive studies. They typically work under the supervision and directives of a professor and perform support tasks such as gathering and analyzing samples through different scientific procedures, completing interviews and surveys, performing experiments and assessments, maintaining records, and handling calls and other forms of correspondence. Additionally, a research assistant professor may also teach undergraduates and participate in preparing activities and curriculum materials.
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Research And Development Assistant
Average Salary: $63,157
A research and development assistant is responsible for supporting the research team in collecting studies and information to support research claims and evaluate data materials. Research and development assistants interview participants, conduct data and statistical analysis, and interpret survey results. They ensure to document all findings and research progress and report any concerns to the research supervisor for immediate resolution. A research and development assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in participating in brainstorming sessions and finalize research subjects as required.
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Assistant Research Scientist
Average Salary: $62,780
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
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Research Associate
Average Salary: $60,166
A research associate is responsible for assisting the research team, organizing and interpreting findings, and verifying information before presenting the study to the board. Research associates duties also include gathering and comparing data from multiple sources, analyzing the current industry trends, creating draft outlines for reports, collecting individual contacts for interview purposes, and helping with the development of research procedures. A research associate must have excellent time-management skills and ability to multi-task, especially on meeting strict deadlines and conducting studies.
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Professional Research Assistant
Average Salary: $58,202
A professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various research assistant that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Research Assistants
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for research assistants.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Research Assistant Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid research assistant job?
The highest-paid research assistant job is a research assistant professor. Research Assistant Professors earn an average salary of $73,455, which is $ 35.31 hourly.
A research assistant professor works part-time at colleges or universities where they focus on conducting research and extensive studies. They typically work under the supervision and directives of a professor and perform support tasks such as gathering and analyzing samples through different scientific procedures, completing interviews and surveys, performing experiments and assessments, maintaining records, and handling calls and other forms of correspondence. Additionally, a research assistant professor may also teach undergraduates and participate in preparing activities and curriculum materials.
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What is a good salary for a research assistant?
A good salary for a research assistant is $42,896 or more. The average research assistant salary is $42,896, so those making at least $42,896 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average research assistant salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a research assistant, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $42,896 average, as this includes all research assistants of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Research Assistant jobs pay well?
No, research assistant jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some research assistant jobs pay better than others, but the average research assistant salary of $42,896 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many research assistant jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of research assistants earning $0 a year on average.
Research Assistants’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a research assistant. Do your research on the going rate for a research assistant in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do research assistants get paid the most?
Research Assistants get paid the most in New Jersey. In New Jersey, research assistants earn an average annual salary of $58,492 and an average hourly wage of $28.12.
Following NJ, the states with the highest-paid research assistants are Massachusetts, Alaska, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $53,102, $54,653, and $50,955 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid research assistant salaries are:
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New Brunswick, NJ – $58,524
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Boston, MA – $53,085
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San Francisco, CA – $52,332
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
