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Job outlook for education research analysts in the United States
Are education research analyst jobs in demand?
Education research analyst job and salary trends over time
Education research analyst jobs over time
Education research analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 410 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 389 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 382 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 359 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 336 | 0.00% |
Average education research analyst salary over time
Education research analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $62,634 | $30.11 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $60,711 | $29.19 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $60,073 | $28.88 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $60,178 | $28.93 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $59,540 | $28.63 | +0.7% |
Education research analyst jobs by state
Most common states for education research analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 279 | 40% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 145 | 23% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,202 | 20% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,076 | 19% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 246 | 18% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 175 | 18% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,316 | 16% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 869 | 16% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 668 | 16% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 168 | 16% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 539 | 15% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 949 | 14% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 82 | 14% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,705 | 13% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 265 | 13% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 252 | 13% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,497 | 12% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,102 | 12% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 124 | 12% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 102 | 12% |
Most common cities for education research analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $71,020 |
| 2 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $56,259 |
| 3 | Miami | 2 | 0% | $53,222 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $62,491 |
| 5 | Montgomery | 1 | 0% | $53,583 |
| 6 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $60,914 |
Education Research Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of education research analyst experts
North Dakota State University
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Lafayette College
Furman University
Pepperdine University
Johns Hopkins University
Red Rocks Community College
Dillard University
Howard University
Montana State University
Grove City College
Indiana University Kokomo
San Francisco State University
Boise State University
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L
Capstone CoordinatorWhat Education Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L: Research skills will be extremely important as the use of evidence-based research in practice and value-based services are imperative. Leadership and entrepreneurship skills will also be important as we promote programming and services in community-based settings.
What general advice would you give to an Education Research Analyst?
Christina Weber PhD: There are a number of skills that will be important. Soft skills such as creativity, adaptability, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and persuasion. In addition, there is a growing need for folks who have high cultural competence, especially with understanding the experiences of diverse groups. Finally, there is a need for folks to have skills in social science research—understanding how to develop research projects, conduct surveys, focus groups, as well as experience with programs such as GIS, SPSS, and r-studio.
What general advice would you give to an Education Research Analyst?
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.
What general advice would you give to an Education Research Analyst?
Brett Hendrickson PhD, MDiv (he/him): Remember that employers in many sectors want and need people with the skill set that Religious Studies teaches you. With a Religious Studies major, you have high levels of cultural competence and cultural empathy. Your critical thinking skills are matched by your ability to communicate your ideas in both oral and written formats. When it comes to problem-solving, you are highly skilled in studying and understanding the historical, political, and ethical contexts that guide people's decision making. You are an expert researcher, able to read and digest large amounts of text in a short amount of time.
What Education Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brett Hendrickson PhD, MDiv (he/him): Religious Studies majors who wish to maximize their salary potential should be bold in articulating the digital research tools that they learned as part of their education. Religious Studies graduates know how to use and assess historical and cultural data from multiple online data sources. They should also emphasize their excellent interpersonal skills and that they are well-versed in interacting with diverse people on highly sensitive topics.
What general advice would you give to an Education Research Analyst?
Dr. Claire Gilliland PhD: The skills we prioritize in sociology (generating research questions, thinking critically, examining social systems, analyzing multiple types of data) are all skills that are well-suited to multiple different careers, but it may require some translation to match the priorities of a particular field.
What will help Education Research Analysts increase their earning potential?
Anna Penner: Methodological skills are important. Knowing how to construct a good survey or conduct an interview to get rich data is critical. But I think just as important as being able to analyze qualitative or statistical data, is finding ways to communicate results in clear and compelling ways so that stakeholders know what action to take is equally important. Some of the gaps we are seeing between science and the general public today could be ameliorated by someone explaining findings in concise and applicable ways that show why we should care about this information. You could be the bridge from expertise to the general public.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Research Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Steven Ross Ph.D.: I think trends will be quite variable depending on one’s role. Traditional higher education roles of teaching and publishing seem likely to diminish given strained college budgets and increasing online and competition from alternative certification/degree programs for college students. Research centers/organizations within and outside universities, on the other hand, may have increased openings over time, perhaps less due to pandemic impacts than to the continually increasing demands for research evidence to support interventions and for data in general to support decision making.
What soft skills should all Education Research Analysts possess?
Steven Ross Ph.D.: Research findings are complex and nuanced. It is rare that program evaluation studies yield clear results that are interpreted the same ways by all consumers and stakeholders. A researcher/evaluator needs to be an effective communicator, open to alternative views of findings and their implications for practice. Soft skills are also needed to partner effectively and mutually with schools and practitioners on meaningful studies. Obviously, many soft skills are needed for effective teaching in higher ed.
How have salaries changed over time for Education Research Analysts?
Steven Ross Ph.D.: They seem mostly flat to me.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Research Analysts?
Janiece Kneppe: I would say yes, there is an enduring impact on each of us from the coronavirus pandemic. As human beings we have these lived experiences unique to our time and place in history that influences our behaviors, beliefs, and identity. My parents grew up during the Great Depression in the U.S. and came of age during WWII and the Korean War. These lived experiences impacted how they lived their lives and raised their children. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s—I lived in the Vietnam War era, saw the first people in space and land on the moon, technology exploded during the latter half of the 20th Century (e.g. development of the telephone to cell phones, Oye!). These lived experiences have impacted my identity, my life, and how I raised my children. So too, our graduates, and the children today who have experienced the coronavirus pandemic, will see enduring impacts around how they relate to people socially and emotionally. And not just them, but all people today have learned and are still learning how to adjust to interpersonal relationships and skills because of the social distancing put into place to slow the spread of the coronavirus in our communities. Our graduates have learned skills with regards to virtual learning (particularly persistence, and perseverance) that will help them face new challenges as they enter the workforce and their own places in society. A key thing to remember is that we are all living with trauma right now (to greater or lesser degrees). How we cope, the resilience we build for ourselves, will greatly impact how we come out of this coronavirus pandemic as individuals and as a society.
What's a day at work look like for an Education Research Analyst?
Janiece Kneppe: Probably much as it always has in early care and education—meeting and greeting families, caring for and educating the children in our settings, learning to work together with other individuals. Three of the greatest challenges that a recent graduate will face includes figuring out behavior management with the children, learning how to work effectively and professionally with their co-workers, and with the families, and recognize their own roles in supporting high-quality programming for children and their families given the heighten requirements for health and safety, teaching in an inclusive and culturally responsive manner that recognizes equity, access, and participation in high quality early care and education programs. These are daunting challenges individually, but put them all together in a single setting with limited resources and support for teachers and you will see why so many people in this field burn out and leave early childhood as a profession. Learning how to build your community of practice to support yourself and your colleagues is the buffer needed to meet and overcome these challenges.
What will help Education Research Analysts increase their earning potential?
Janiece Kneppe: The short answer is to be willing to invest in your own sense of professionalism and your career. Be willing to pursue formal education because it opens doors to new roles and challenges that are often accompanied with more pay. Be willing to invest in attending professional development workshops and conferences because this is how we stay current with the research and information that continues to expand as we learn more about developmental psychology and child development. Be courageous and ask for more responsibilities in the workplace and then follow through and meet the tasks given to the best of your ability. We learn best when we stretch ourselves to grow like this! And become a member of a professional organization like NAEYC, Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Zero To Three Organization, National Head Start Association (NHSA), or National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). Being connected with a professional organization will support an individual’s sense of public presentation where he or she can articulate what we are doing and why we are doing it (the value of ECE), to advocate on behalf of children and their families, and share his or her professional judgement, that is the application of professional knowledge, professional experiences, and ethical behaviors, with a wider audience.
How have salaries changed over time for Education Research Analysts?
Eva Baham: History graduates also account for their preparation to work in a number of positions in business.
Overall, history degrees shall serve individuals quite well, especially as the current health crisis (hopefully) comes to a close.
Rui Diogo Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorHoward University
Anatomy Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Research Analysts?
Rui Diogo Ph.D.: Probably yes, because the pandemic has decreased the economy, so all kind of jobs are affected.
Dr. Walter Fleming Ph.D.
Department Head and ProfessorMontana State University
Department of Native American Studies
What's a good job out of college for Education Research Analysts?
Dr. Walter Fleming Ph.D.: In ethnic studies, there are opportunities in tribal communities, working in many fields, but particularly those supporting the infrastructure of such communities. There are high demands for teachers, social workers, nurses, health care providers and other areas in the "helping professions," as these are critical needs in these communities. The isolation in such communities can mean high turnover but often that can mean higher entry level salaries. More importantly, there is a sense of satisfaction working with communities who struggle.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Education Research Analysts?
DJ Wagner Ph.D.: I would have to say that the biggest impact is due not to the courses a student takes but to what professional opportunities outside of the classroom the student pursues. The employers with which I've spoken suggest that evidence of independent research projects and of the ability to work collaboratively are very important considerations in the hiring process. Networking is also key. At Grove City College, we encourage our physics majors to get involved in research starting their freshman year, and we provide many opportunities for them to network with alumni in the field and by attending conferences. Research builds several critical skills of value to employers: the ability to take ownership of a project and follow it through over a period of time, the ability to work as a team toward a common goal, the ability to operate and trouble-shoot apparatus (for experimental research), the ability to extract meaning from data, etc. Interacting with professionals in the field gives students a wide perspective about possible career paths, connections within those careers, and an understanding of the current state of the field not typically obtained in college courses.
When I have heard professionals speak to students at conferences, they often recommend that physics majors take communication and management courses in addition to their required physics curriculum. The skills and knowledge gained in those courses can help graduates navigate the corporate world successfully.
Niki Weller Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology, ChairIndiana University Kokomo
Department of Sociology
What will help Education Research Analysts increase their earning potential?
Niki Weller Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential at the outset of your career in sociology, consider pursuing specialized certifications or additional training in high-demand areas such as social policy analysis or program evaluation. Researching salary benchmarks for entry-level positions in your location can help you negotiate competitive compensation packages. Furthermore, don't underestimate the value of networking and building relationships with potential employers or industry contacts, as referrals and recommendations can often lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Finally, be proactive in seeking professional development and advancement opportunities within your organization to increase your earning potential over time.
Matthew Fisher SFSU, Hult, SMC
Business InstructorSan Francisco State University
Department of Marketing, Management, and Economics
What experience really stands out on Education Research Analyst resumes?
Matthew Fisher SFSU, Hult, SMC: Experience in the industry that you are applying always stands out more. However, many firms would benefit greatly by hiring individuals with experience in other fields to inject fresh perspectives into the business. As a result, this is one of those areas that many firms ought to be doing something different than their normal business-as-usual practices.
What general advice would you give to an Education Research Analyst?
Dr. John Ziker Ph.D.: Talk to your professors as early as possible during your university experience to get ideas for career outlooks and trajectories.
What Education Research Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. John Ziker Ph.D.: Talk to your professors as early as possible during your university experience to get ideas for career outlooks and trajectories.