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Job outlook for contract researchers in the United States
Are contract researcher jobs in demand?
Contract researcher job and salary trends over time
Contract researcher jobs over time
Contract researcher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 872 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 827 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 813 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 765 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 715 | 0.00% |
Average contract researcher salary over time
Contract researcher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,230 | $24.15 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $48,689 | $23.41 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $48,177 | $23.16 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $48,261 | $23.20 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $47,750 | $22.96 | +0.7% |
Contract researcher jobs by state
Most common states for contract researchers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 137 | 20% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 534 | 7% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 475 | 7% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 253 | 6% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 244 | 4% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 24 | 4% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,161 | 3% |
| 8 | New York | 19,849,399 | 551 | 3% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 322 | 3% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 231 | 3% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 193 | 3% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 192 | 3% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 108 | 3% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 39 | 3% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 31 | 3% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 31 | 3% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 30 | 3% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 26 | 3% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 20 | 3% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 17 | 3% |
Most common cities for contract researchers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cupertino | 1 | 2% | $104,079 |
Contract Researcher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of contract researcher experts
College of New Jersey, The
Ohio State University
Vanderbilt University
Duquesne University
Elizabethtown College
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
East Tennessee State University
University of Akron
What general advice would you give to a Contract Researcher?
Dr. Piper Williams PhD: Students who major in AAS bring additional expertise and qualifications to any application - so a clear articulation of these could help to maximize salary potential. They will have: skills that will enable them to contribute to innovation in the workplace, a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems, demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity; intercultural skills; and the capacity for continued new learning, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings.
Dr. Judson Jeffries
ProfessorOhio State University
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What will help Contract Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Judson Jeffries: Grant writing ability. Scholars will become increasingly reliant on securing grants as universities and colleges continue to tighten their belts. This is especially true for state schools where some state legislatures are not as generous with funding as they once were. The state supported The Ohio State University is one such example. There are many more.
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture and Womanist ThoughtVanderbilt University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
What general advice would you give to a Contract Researcher?
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.: I tell recent graduates to read the contract and the faculty manual. Make sure you understand the long term implications of your early salary. Second, plan for retirement now; do not wait until you are making the salary of your fantasies. Take advantage of opportunities to learn about financial health and management. Third, position yourself. Write and publish directly and clearly in your field of study and adjacent areas. Fourth, create a plan with vision for the career you think you want. Finally, one way or the other, you will carve out a career or job, but a vocation is nurtured by paying attention to where you experience passion and a deep sense of belonging. A vocation is where your heart and intellect find a meaningful place in responding to the world's needs. Your salary best positions you when it supports your whole life and commitments.
Jan Levine
Professor of Law and Director, Legal Research & Writing ProgramDuquesne University
School of Law
What skills will help Contract Researchers earn the most?
Jan Levine: Efficiency in research, clarity in explanation of the use of researched materials, and having a conscious plan of how to conduct research.
David Brown
Professor of HistoryElizabethtown College
History Department
What soft skills should all Contract Researchers possess?
David Brown: It's critical to be able to work as a team. Empathy, understanding, a bit of diplomacy, and integrity - aside from the obvious need of technical competency - are highly valued. As always, motivation is terribly important and this can be conjoined with flexibility. If energy and attitude remain positive this will rub off on others and create an attractive dynamic that draws people in. Finally, the ability to make a decision and follow through with it is perhaps too little appreciated.
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor, MPA Program DirectorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
School of Public Affairs and Administration
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Contract Researchers?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: The courses or certifications that have the greatest impact on a person's public service job prospects are highly dependent on that person's career goals. Some of the courses that are helpful for nearly all public servants include topics like grant writing, administrative ethics, leadership of organizations, equity and diversity, and evidence-based decision making.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Contract Researcher job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of good governance and effective public services. I believe that career opportunities in the public sector will grow as we better support our local and state governments. Public service careers in the nonprofit sector will also advance, as we have witnessed the significance of these organizations in supporting and uplifting people in times of crisis. Within the field of public administration, I believe that the healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and emergency management fields will be a critical focus. It is also important that public servants understand and address issues of inequity, injustice, and systemic oppression throughout all social systems and public institutions.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Contract Researchers?
Paul Trogen Ph.D.: Some surveys suggest that as many as half of local government jobs may be filled by business graduates. One should take courses similar to what those business students study. One of our graduate students surveyed local governments, and found the skills most in demand included accounting, human resource management, budgeting, public relations, and risk management. The ability to use spreadsheets and communicate clearly with tables and graphs helps. Quantitative skills like linear programming, PERT/CPM, inventory models, and queuing theory will make you an indispensable problem solver. Some high demand niches that are unique to the public sector include geographic information systems (GIS), city planning, and economic development. Hard skills will increase your chances of landing an interview.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Contract Researchers?
Dr. Bill Lyons: Conflict Management/Transformation skills. Quantitative analysis skills. Writing skills. Creativity and imagination skills developed in the arts.