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Job outlook for associate research specialists in the United States
Associate research specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected associate research specialist job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for associate research specialists are projected over the next decade.
Associate research specialist salaries have increased 5% for associate research specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 11,090 associate research specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 56,834 active associate research specialist job openings in the US.
The average associate research specialist salary is $48,302.
Are associate research specialist jobs in demand?
Associate research specialist job and salary trends over time
Associate research specialist jobs over time
Associate research specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,090 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,521 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,343 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,728 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,092 | 0.00% |
Average associate research specialist salary over time
Associate research specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,302 | $23.22 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $46,820 | $22.51 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $46,328 | $22.27 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $46,409 | $22.31 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $45,917 | $22.08 | +0.7% |
Associate research specialist jobs by state
Most common states for associate research specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 276 | 40% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,163 | 32% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 142 | 23% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 205 | 21% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 257 | 19% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 994 | 18% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 351 | 18% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 189 | 18% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 927 | 17% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 707 | 17% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 127 | 17% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 168 | 16% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 459 | 15% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 131 | 15% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,539 | 14% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,223 | 14% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,216 | 14% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 969 | 13% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 217 | 13% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 177 | 13% |
Most common cities for associate research specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ann Arbor | 1 | 1% | $54,507 |
Associate Research Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of associate research specialist experts
University of South Florida
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Seattle University
Jay Civitillo
University of South Florida
Business/Commerce
What Associate Research Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jay Civitillo: Good evening, Attached are my responses. I look forward to reviewing the draft. Have a great weekend!
What will help Associate Research Specialists increase their earning potential?
Barrie Silver M.Ed.: Be nimble! Marketing is a fast-paced, ever-changing field and marketers need to be able to keep up. I encourage my students to take a variety of courses -- both in school and online -- and do as many internships as they can. For example, students in my 'Strategic Online Community Management' class are expected to complete social media certifications from HubSpot or Meta. Students in my 'Integrated Marketing and Communication' class work with local businesses and nonprofits to develop comprehensive integrated marketing campaigns. Along with our other coursework, this gives them hands-on, real-world experience -- and may also give them a leg up on other candidates when they start their job search.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Research Specialist?
John Lyden: Research skills (ability to find and interpret information), oral and written communication skills (ability to present information clearly), data analysis and interpretation, language interpretation and translation. Computer facility will be highly valued. Employers will include those in higher education, government, non-profits, research institutes, and museums.
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
What soft skills should all Associate Research Specialists possess?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Understanding human diversity, effective communication (speaking and writing: the ability to convey complex ideas respectfully to a diverse audience) across differences, adept at working in groups, yet also independent thinkers.