Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for junior research assistants in the United States
Are junior research assistant jobs in demand?
Junior research assistant job and salary trends over time
Junior research assistant jobs over time
Junior research assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 34 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 34 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 33 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 30 | 0.00% |
Average junior research assistant salary over time
Junior research assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $54,557 | $26.23 | +3.6% |
| 2025 | $52,672 | $25.32 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $51,707 | $24.86 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $50,998 | $24.52 | +6.5% |
| 2022 | $47,882 | $23.02 | +1.7% |
Junior research assistant jobs by state
Most common states for junior research assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 214 | 31% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,137 | 17% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 102 | 16% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 790 | 14% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 578 | 14% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 148 | 14% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 130 | 14% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,098 | 13% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 701 | 13% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 392 | 13% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 176 | 13% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,320 | 11% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 64 | 11% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,232 | 10% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 610 | 10% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 342 | 10% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 196 | 10% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 136 | 10% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 88 | 10% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 71 | 10% |
Most common cities for junior research assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas | 1 | 0% | $55,690 |
Junior Research Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of junior research assistant experts
University of Texas at Austin
Fairfield University
Seattle University
Adelphi University
Adelphi University
Columbus State University
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Elizabethtown College
Wilkes University
University of Illinois
Saint Peter's University
Creighton University
University of New Hampshire
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
East Tennessee State University
Utah State University
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Beloit College
Christopher Newport University
What general advice would you give to a Junior Research Assistant?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: Similar to my answer for the first question, I think that this begins during college as students
build their overall portfolio of knowledge and skills. In addition to strategically selecting
courses, students might think about different volunteer activities (both on and off campus) and
experiential learning opportunities that could help them to further develop skills and build
professional connections. For instance, students can ask professors if there are opportunities for
them to work as a research assistant, or develop their own independent research project. In
addition, students can complete internships with public or private organizations within
community, or even through study abroad programs. In some cases, internships can provide a
bridge to employment post-graduation in that organization.
After students graduate and secure employment, they might consider different ways to engage in
professional development and continuing education. This can occur both within and outside
employer-sponsored activities. For instance, graduates might consider online courses on software
such as Excel, ArcGIS, Python, Tableau, or R. In addition, graduates may think of creative ways
to take leadership on projects in their respective organizations, and/or make a significant
contribution to their organization that will showcase their professional strengths. Finally,
graduates may consider pursuing graduate degrees according to their professional goals, such as
a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Health (MPH), Juris Doctor (JD), Master's in
Education (M.Ed.), or a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
Mary Neuburger
Director, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian StudiesUniversity of Texas at Austin
Slavic, Baltic And Albanian Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Junior Research Assistant?
Mary Neuburger: Network as much as possible, online (LinkedIn or social media) and at events related to Russian studies or policy. These tend to be open to the public at most large er universities and some smaller. Attend, ask good questions, and introduce yourself to people. Make sure you highlight all of the skills you have gained on your CV-include projects in courses, extracurricular activities, study abroad etc.
What Junior Research Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mary Neuburger: Language skills are always important, as well as research skills, and experience working on team projects. I also think deep interdisciplinary knowledge of Russia and its sphere of influence will continue to be important, as well as teachnical skills and knowledge of the information environment-and especially disinformation. UT Austin has a new Global Disinformation Lab, in which study of Russian disinformation (among other things) is carried out.
What will help Junior Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Mary Neuburger: Increase your experience and education in the field. Think about a Russian Studies master's program, for which you can get funding and gain more education and professional experience. UT Austin is looking for good applicants! Also think about doing workshops in various technical skills or platforms to bolster your resume. Think about initiating a club, small organization or project, and taking a leadership role. Highlight these efforts on your cv.
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT
Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Fairfield UniversityFairfield University
Human Development, Family Studies, And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Junior Research Assistant?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Human development is an interdisciplinary major with multiple avenues to pursue post-bachelor's degree. You really need to pursue a master's degree post bachelor's to ensure job security post-grad. Have an idea in mind of what you'd like to pursue-whether it be education or mental health.
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Junior Research Assistants?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Empirical data collection: Research skills for collecting original data, analyzing the data, writing up the information collected, and presenting it in a professional manner.
What skills will help Junior Research Assistants earn the most?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Anthropologists are analysts and researchers with sharp thinking skills who have the ability to collect, manage, evaluate, and interpret large volumes of data on human behavior.
Lea Theodore Ph.D.
Director, School PsychologyAdelphi University
School Psychology and Institute for Parenting and Postgraduate Certificates in Infant, Child, & Adolescent Psychotherapy
What soft skills should all Junior Research Assistants possess?
Lea Theodore Ph.D.: The ability to have respectful communication with people in all roles: directors, supervisors, research participants, peers, and project staff. A 360-degree evaluation would show that everyone agrees that the candidate can be a good fit.
Joaniko Kohchi MPhil, LCSW, IECMH-E®
Director of the Institute for ParentingAdelphi University
School Psychology and Institute for Parenting and Postgraduate Certificates in Infant, Child, & Adolescent Psychotherapy
What skills will help Junior Research Assistants earn the most?
Joaniko Kohchi MPhil, LCSW, IECMH-E®: Entrepreneurship, creativity, initiative, integrity, perseverance, effective listening skills, good interpersonal skills, adaptability, and flexibility.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Junior Research Assistants?
Dr. Monica Frazier: I would hope that it would not be enduring. However, I do realize there may be immediate impacts. Students who did not start their research until maybe the second semester of their junior year are impacted by not getting any time to participate in hands on research experiences. Not having that experience means they miss out on an opportunity to learn laboratory skills needed for certain jobs. In addition, this also impacts student one-on-one interactions with faculty which prevents faculty from really getting to know the student in a way that will inhibit the faculty from providing the employer with a more comprehensive review of the student's ability, work ethic, etc.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Junior Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Brady Collins Ph.D.: More remote work/teleworking.
What soft skills should all Junior Research Assistants possess?
Brady Collins Ph.D.: Ability to collaborate and work in teams, delegate tasks, manage short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
David Brown
Professor of HistoryElizabethtown College
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Junior Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
David Brown: Working amidst a global pandemic has forced many sectors of the economy to conduct its affairs online and via Zoom and other cloud platforms. In a sense this is nothing new as the technology and capacity predated the pandemic, though our new social distance reality has made the use of such applications second nature for many. This way of conducting business will undoubtedly be embellished moving forward. Interestingly, one need not be particularly tech savvy to take advantage of the opportunities it affords. Communication and good writing skills are always in demand. Being able to interact effectively with colleagues and clients throughout the day and from great distance will be increasingly a premium skill.
What soft skills should all Junior Research Assistants 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.
What will help Junior Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
David Brown: Salaries have generally kept up with inflation, though with the decline of funding in the Humanities disciplines, the number of jobs has not been robust. There is a wide variance in compensation within a highly stratified university system that includes adjuncts, lecturers, visiting faculty and full-time faculty in the ranks of assistant, associate, and full professor. There is an increasing interest in pubic history - in museums, archives, and historical societies - that provide opportunities for those seeking opportunities outside of the academy.
Dr. Kenneth Klemow Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of BiologyWilkes University
Biology and Health Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Junior Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Kenneth Klemow Ph.D.: I believe that certain fields will be stronger than others. In particular, we have been speaking with hiring managers for Medical Laboratory Science. They cannot find enough qualified candidates to fill their positions. Wilkes University has a relatively small program in MLS that we are planning to expand to satisfy that demand.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Junior Research Assistants?
Dr. Kenneth Klemow Ph.D.: Related to the first question, I believe that certification in Medical Lab Science would be important. Likewise, having certification or coursework in Virology, Epidemiology, or Disease Ecology would be helpful. We are seeing more interest in Data Analysis skills, as well as Bioinformatics at both the molecular and environmental levels. Finally, having certification in Geographic Information Systems is important in many applications. Beyond that, students should have good written and oral communication skills, be flexible, and be capable of learning new techniques as the market provides opportunities.
Ken Paige
ProfessorUniversity of Illinois
Department of Evolution, Ecology & Behavior
What soft skills should all Junior Research Assistants possess?
Ken Paige: Leadership skills, problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, independence, good interpersonal skills, adaptability
How have salaries changed over time for Junior Research Assistants?
Ken Paige: Salaries have been going up over time with entry level salaries starting at $50k and ranging as high as $80K depending upon level of education.
Dr. Katherine Wydner Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology and Health Careers AdvisorSaint Peter's University
Biology Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Junior Research Assistants?
Dr. Katherine Wydner Ph.D.: Because of current job shortages caused by the pandemic, many college graduates may find this to be a good time to go back to school for additional certifications, masters, or doctoral degrees. Many advanced degrees in healthcare and medicine at the masters or doctorate levels require courses such as Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Psychology. Another useful course can be Nutrition if someone is interested in a career related to Food Services, a job sector that is anticipated to be in growing demand.
Job prospects for Medical Laboratory Scientists are also excellent. Graduates of bachelors of science and certificate programs who go on to earn their license from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP-BOC) typically find employment within weeks of graduation and licensure. This has held true for many years, as demand for these jobs exceeds the supply of qualified persons. Medical Laboratory Scientists are employed by hospitals, commercial and reference labs, and medical and veterinary offices.
Richard Witmer Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Government and PoliticsCreighton University
Department of Political Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Junior Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Richard Witmer Ph.D.: Students interested in preparing for life after the pandemic, and/or graduation will need to start online with internships. In-person opportunities will be harder to come by.
In addition, I expect the job market to continue to reward skilled applicants. This includes liberal arts students with evidence of research and presentation skills. Students with more advanced skills in quantitative research and statistical analysis should find the job search less daunting as well. Having the ability to show this on a resume is even more important now as new and recent grads compete for the same jobs.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Junior Research Assistants?
Richard Witmer Ph.D.: With the move to online a few key ones are adaptability, a willingness to continue to learn, teamwork, and reliability.
How have salaries changed over time for Junior Research Assistants?
Richard Witmer Ph.D.: Students with specific skills, like research and statistical methods, have been able to command a higher salary and have found it easier to find jobs.
What soft skills should all Junior Research Assistants possess?
Ronald Boucher: The development of soft skills is extremely important in the hospitality industry as a whole. Since dining out will become more expensive the customer expectation will also increase. I often remind my students that we are in the business of saying yes and that we are not in the business of saying no. A trained professional figures out how to satisfy the customer by exceeding expectations by utilizing and implementing soft skills learned at the University of New Hampshire.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Junior Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Ronald Boucher: Given the pandemic, the hospitality industry is in the process of re-inventing itself. This shift has been needed for a long time and the pandemic is demanding that these changes take place. Smart operators are changing how they conduct business and figuring out how to best meet not only their customer's needs but also their employees needs as well.
All of these changes will shrink the labor pool because of streamlining operational efficiencies. However, the pleasure of dining out will not go away. In fact, the industry will need educated and trained professionals to meet this new demand. In fact, the good part is that salaries and benefits to employees will increase as well. This will mean that it is going out to eat will get more expensive for the consumer but that has to be expected and accepted.
I recently informed my freshmen students that they are positioned to have many new opportunities afforded to them for personal and job growth after graduation in four years. In addition the work place environment will be a much friendlier, more respectful and more appreciative environment.
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 Junior Research Assistants?
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 Junior Research Assistant 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.
How have salaries changed over time for Junior Research Assistants?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: Given the expansiveness of the field of public administration and the range of job types, I am not sure of the data on salary changes over time.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Junior Research Assistants?
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 soft skills should all Junior Research Assistants possess?
Paul Trogen Ph.D.: Soft skills will smooth human interactions. Communicating clearly and politely is nearly as important as what you have to say. Active listening skills and a desire to see things from the other person's perspective help build rapport. Honesty and keeping your word help maintain that rapport. Learning about motivation and social psychology will enable you to help others to meet their goals by working towards organizational goals. Treating others as you would like them to treat you will help you build healthy work relationships.
Dr. John Stevens
Professor of StatisticsUtah State University
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Junior Research Assistants?
Dr. John Stevens: In statistics and data science, there are a lot of good jobs for people with BS degrees, and those who also have a MS degree have more opportunities longer-term for team leadership. For higher-level leadership (like VP-level), a lot of companies do look for the PhD degree, but in statistics and data science many students don't consider going that far because they can already get a good-paying job in industry with the BS or MS. I think those who look longest-term and seriously consider getting a PhD (even without any academic career goals) will have tremendous senior leadership opportunities down the road. That's not to say you can't develop those opportunities in other ways, and of course there's no substitute for good, hard work, in any field. For shorter-term boosts in job prospects, the hot things now are Python and R programming, but I'd emphasize the need to do more than just taste those things in a surface-level introduction. True understanding and value only come with deep experience, and deep experience requires real, dedicated time.
What's a good job out of college for Junior Research Assistants?
Dr. John Stevens: In my field, I can say that the future continues to be very bright for statistics and data science. The corporate vocabulary is still evolving, so I tell my students to search for jobs with a variety of keywords. Most employers need statisticians and data scientists, even if they don't call them that. The reason that these are good jobs is because the need is ever-growing with the ongoing data explosion, and people who can really develop deep experience (meaning they really understand core ideas and can see connections between topics) will be in high demand even as new data-generating technologies are developed.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Junior Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John Stevens: At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, I saw an almost immediate drop in hiring statisticians and data scientists -- not for lack of need, but more for lack of certainty on the part of the employers. I think a lot of companies had to pause to wait and see what the pandemic would bring. While the pandemic has lasted longer than most of us first thought it would, fortunately the hiring freezes didn't last as long. By September/October 2020 I started to see job openings more frequently, and while I can't say for certain that things are back to 'normal', it looks like a lot of companies have figured out their new path forward and are back to filling needed positions. Many of these positions now include greater flexibility in location and hours, but I've also noticed that the salaries are sometimes less than they would have been a year ago. At the same time, many positions are reopening with salaries as high as before. There does seem to be more salary variability now, and I don't know how long this will last.
What's a day at work look like for a Junior Research Assistant?
Shelly Lesher: I don't see this changing much. Since most of our students are involved in hands-on work, they will be required to work in a laboratory of some sort. It will probably be masked and distanced but the same as pre-pandemic. I am concerned graduates will receive less training for this reason making their positions more frustrating at first.
What's a good job out of college for Junior Research Assistants?
Tawnya Cary Ph.D.: Regardless of the position's title, a 'good' job is one that helps a graduate learn skills that they can apply to their future career. The job might be a short-term internship or technician position that gives them hands-on field or laboratory experience, or it might be something that helps them learn how to interact effectively with the public. I don't think there is one job title that meets this goal; rather graduates should learn how to transfer skills from all of their experiences such that they can apply them moving forward.
What technical skills for a Junior Research Assistant stand out to employers?
Tawnya Cary Ph.D.: The ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively are important skills to develop. These have always been true for most any employer, but in light of the pandemic, they are even more vital. Technically, this means that you need to be able to manage video conferencing platforms, and be able to effectively share information whether via a digital database or presentation. Specifically in biology, employers need scientists that are diligent, detail-oriented, and inquisitive, whether they are collecting data in the lab or the field.
Janet Steven Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorChristopher Newport University
Organismal and Environmental Biology
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Junior Research Assistants?
Janet Steven Ph.D.: Some careers in biology do require specific certifications, but there are many fields where experience outside the classroom has the biggest impact on job prospects. Spending a summer or two working in the field you are interested in building both your resume and your network. Courses that apply subject matter to hands-on experiences and real-world decisions are also valuable.