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Job outlook for research support specialists in the United States
Research support specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected research support specialist job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for research support specialists are projected over the next decade.
Research support specialist salaries have increased 5% for research support specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 12,207 research support specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 123,353 active research support specialist job openings in the US.
The average research support specialist salary is $47,994.
Are research support specialist jobs in demand?
Research support specialist job and salary trends over time
Research support specialist jobs over time
Research support specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12,207 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 11,580 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 11,384 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,708 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,008 | 0.00% |
Average research support specialist salary over time
Research support specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,994 | $23.07 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $46,521 | $22.37 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $46,033 | $22.13 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $46,113 | $22.17 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $45,624 | $21.93 | +0.7% |
Research support specialist jobs by state
Most common states for research support specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 344 | 50% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 337 | 39% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 726 | 38% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 208 | 33% |
| 5 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 810 | 28% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 361 | 27% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,817 | 26% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,608 | 26% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 544 | 26% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 250 | 26% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,842 | 25% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,033 | 25% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 270 | 25% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 317 | 24% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 250 | 24% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 9,205 | 23% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,248 | 23% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,266 | 23% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 177 | 23% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 684 | 22% |
Most common cities for research support specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coral Gables | 1 | 2% | $34,902 |
| 2 | Miami | 6 | 1% | $34,886 |
| 3 | Lakeland | 1 | 1% | $34,440 |
| 4 | Buffalo | 1 | 0% | $54,678 |
Research Support Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research support specialist experts
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Pepperdine University
Fairfield University
Dillard University
Bowling Green State University
University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Washington University in St Louis
University of Michigan
Howard University
Illinois State University
Montana State University
Claremont McKenna College
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Elizabethtown College
Creighton University
University of New Hampshire
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
Hanover College
Bradley University
What general advice would you give to a Research Support 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.
What will help Research Support Specialists increase their earning potential?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: I think it is important for graduates to look at projections on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
website and to conduct general research on the state of certain industries at the time of
graduation. For instance, the tech industry is currently very saturated; some people who started
positions as user experience researchers just a few years ago were laid off. Individuals who have
years of experience in these positions will then have an advantage in securing new positions.
That being said, I believe that quantitative research skills in particular are advantageous for many
positions. This includes attaining coding skills and learning coding languages such as Python, R,
and Java.
In addition to the tech industry, the higher education market for individuals with a Master's
degree or PhD in sociology for tenure-track, full-time assistant professor positions in sociology
proves to remain highly competitive, as there are far more graduates than full-time positions.
That being said, some Master's programs emphasize an applied focus that prepares students for a
variety of research and evaluation positions.
In relation to research skills focused on data collection and analysis, sociology majors develop
writing and presentation skills that are crucial to success in any field. Also, the major's emphasis
on a critical global perspective along with cultural humility, cultural competence, empathy, and
overall interpersonal skills are sought-after skills in many fields. For instance, the U.S. is
experiencing a serious shortage of mental health professionals. Although some mental health
positions require a bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, others are also open to
individuals with a bachelor's degree in sociology or psychology.
What will help Research Support Specialists 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.
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT
Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Fairfield UniversityFairfield University
Human Development, Family Studies, And Related Services
What Research Support Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Research proficiency-get involved in undergrad if you can. As the field progresses, we need innovative thinkers to keep advancing our knowledge.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Support Specialists?
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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Eva Baham: With the hope that the economy returns to a sense of normalcy accompanied by stability in family incomes, families and individuals may seek ways to re-add a quality of life to their activities. Visits to museums (inside and outside), libraries, tourist destinations and other venues requiring information guided by sound and reputable knowledge should require individuals with a history background.
What technical skills for a Research Support Specialist stand out to employers?
Eva Baham: History graduates often apply to law schools. Although this is a delayed profession for an undergraduate degree, there are several sources including the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), which note that a high percentage of students with history degrees are admitted to law school. History's emphasis on research, analysis, and evidence prepare students for law school.
What soft skills should all Research Support Specialists possess?
Malcolm Forbes Ph.D.: Presentation skills are key - staying up to date on new technologies will be very important (for example, there is now a way to insert yourself into a pptx file and point to things on the slide). Also multiple cameras so you can change perspectives is changing how people give talks. Writing skills are also important, but in industry "less is more" so these skills must be developed to make conciseness a priority. No one reads long emails any more, so clear, short, to the point writing is essential.
Attention to diversity and inclusion will grow - finding internal biases that may or may not be intentional, and how to eliminate or minimize their impact, will also be important.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Malcolm Forbes Ph.D.: Work from home will become much more normal for many people. Perhaps not 100%, but maybe 2-3 days per week. Chemists with intense lab activities might not get as much of this privilege as others.
WFH will make it easier for women with families to be hired. Companies and managers will be more tuned in to employees' mental health.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Support Specialists?
Malcolm Forbes Ph.D.: Academic salaries are strange. They are tied to a weird "anti-loyalty" system, where a faculty member gets a significant raise as part of a retention package based on a offer from another institution. Otherwise academic salaries at public universities stay at or just ahead of inflation (private institutions are slightly better, but not much). So this game must be played.
At some universities, faculty are unionized. In this case collective bargaining agreements ensure reasonable raises ahead of inflation every year. But this involves paying dues every month and the agreements have to be renegotiated every 3-4 years, which is time-consuming and expensive.
In chemical industry, starting salaries for PhDs have hovered around $80-100K (field dependent) for quite some time and this looks to be stable for some time to come. Bonuses have grown in size in recent years (they had stalled for some time after the 2008 economic downturn).
What will help Research Support Specialists increase their earning potential?
Gabriel Loiacono: I would say this: history majors go on to a wide variety of good jobs. Historians use their research, writing, communication, and critical reading strengths in careers from insurance to law to you name it. To help with earning potential, strengthen these skills in college, but also branch out and add others: another language, whether it is C++ or Spanish, perhaps a mapping or public administration class. Then you can point to all these skills when you are looking for a good fit for you.
What's a good job out of college for Research Support Specialists?
Gabriel Loiacono: I would say that a good job out of college is an entry-level start to a career you are really curious about. Try it. It could be the start of something interesting. If you hate it, that is really good to know too. You can cross it off your list and try something else.
Sharon Deem DVM, PhD
Director of Saint Louis zoo institute for Conservation Medicine, Adjunct professor at WUSTLWashington University in St Louis
Institute for Conservation Medicine
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Sharon Deem DVM, PhD: I teach a course called One Health: Linking the Health of Humans, Animals, and Environments. I teach to both undergraduate and graduate students. One Health is a growing movement that takes a transdisciplinary approach and is based on the understanding that the health of human and non-human animals, plants, and the environments that sustain all life are interconnected. We will not have health of one without ensuring health of the others. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call of this interconnection of health and to the many human public health, including zoonotic infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, and wildlife conservation challenges, such as those related to the unsustainable trade in wildlife. A wakeup call that has made many aware of the need for a One Health approach and for finding a new normal post-pandemic world that will help ensure we prevent the next pandemic.
The outlook for recent graduates that are interested in the One Health approach and for addressing these health challenges for humans, animals, and environments-the One Health Triad-will increase in the coming years. I believe career opportunities that strive for preventive measures that lessen the negative impacts of climate change, emerging infectious diseases, and the loss of biodiversity will increase greatly in the coming months and years. These career opportunities may be in the environmental, veterinary, and human health sciences. They may also be in other disciplines, from communication and art to IT, engineering, law, and political science. The job market will open with positions we may only dream of today, but also with those familiar jobs that help optimize the health of animals, humans, and environments.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Support Specialists?
Sharon Deem DVM, PhD: This question is a tough one. In my mind, certificates/licenses/courses that will have the biggest impact on job prospects are the ones for which you have a passion. Life is short and work is long! I am a true believer that you will be successful and make a difference for the world if you pursue study, and ultimately a career, in a topic, or topics, for which you are interested. Beyond that, I think all young scholars would do well to possess more than one spoken language, have a good grasp of statistics, know how to communicate beyond a tweet or tic-toc post, and understand local, national and world politics.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Support Specialists?
Sharon Deem DVM, PhD: My field of One Health is so varied, as are the salaries. You may have a career as an infectious disease specialist, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, a position in a state public health agency, work for a zoological park, or be a forester. The list of careers within One Health are as varied as the range of the salaries people may receive. As a wildlife veterinarian and epidemiologist, I think salaries have not changed significantly, albeit keeping up with inflation, over the past couple of decades.
Margit Burmeister Ph.D.
Research Professor, Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, Professor of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, Professor of Human Genetics, Professor of Psychiatry, Co-Director, Bioinformatics Graduate ProgramUniversity of Michigan
Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics and Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Support Specialists?
Margit Burmeister Ph.D.: For bioinformaticians, having statistics degrees or certification helps, as does machine learning. Some bioinformaticians end up in health care, while others end up in software engineering.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Support Specialists?
Margit Burmeister Ph.D.: Bioinformaticians' salaries are higher than typical molecular biologists and can reach as high as computer scientists, hence salaries straight out of PhD can differ by more than a factor of 4. It is hard to give a trend over time because it so depends on the field one enters.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Margit Burmeister Ph.D.: With everything going online, bioinformaticians have a big advantage over biologists working in wet labs that may be operating at reduced capacity. But on the other hand, in many companies and Universities, employees willing to come in and work in person also have advantages. Overall, those who can pivot rapidly - work in person in wet lab if open and required, but able to work for several weeks analytically only, have the best chances.
However, academic positions are frozen at many Universities, so those who are in postdoc positions hoping for faculty positions can't move on.
Worldwide the biggest trend is women dropping out.
Rui Diogo Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorHoward University
Anatomy Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Support Specialists?
Rui Diogo Ph.D.: Probably yes, because the pandemic has decreased the economy, so all kind of jobs are affected.
What's a good job out of college for Research Support Specialists?
Rui Diogo Ph.D.: Most people having a master or phd in anatomy tend to have jobs at universities, teaching anatomy at medical schools and doing research. Outside academia it is more difficult for an anatomist. Possible options could be working in natural history museums, or in the production of anatomical/educational textbooks.
What will help Research Support Specialists increase their earning potential?
Rui Diogo Ph.D.: To include, in their graduate studies, more components that will open them the door to other potential jobs, for instance including classes on science dissemination so they can eventually work on the press/science dissemination in the future, and so on.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Ross Kennedy: I think most of the basic trends will stay the same as they were pre-pandemic: jobs related to information, communication, health care, and clean energy industries will be growth leaders; the wage gap between those with a college education and those without one will continue to widen; businesses will seek to diversify the ranks of management; and employers will put a premium on finding employees who can adapt quickly to changes in technology and culture. Probably the main impact of the pandemic will be that employers will include more remote work in their way of doing business and will therefore want employees who are willing and able to work effectively from home.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Support Specialists?
Ross Kennedy: Several studies have shown that History majors, like other liberal arts majors, tend to start out after graduation with somewhat lower salaries than other fields, such as nursing or accounting, but that after ten years or so, there is little difference. In other words, by age 40 or so, the earnings of people who majored in history catch up with those who earned degrees in science or engineering, with all majors having a median income of around $80,000.
What soft skills should all Research Support Specialists possess?
Ross Kennedy: They should have skills associated with an education grounded in the liberal arts. There have been a lot of surveys and studies on what tech and non-tech business leaders want in their employees and they all reveal the same thing: they want employees who understand human nature and psychology, who have a sense of empathy and an ability to put themselves in someone else's shoes, and who can think creatively to solve problems. They also highly value people who can write clearly and effectively, who have the ability to construct a concise, persuasive argument. Most broadly, they want people who know how to think analytically and how to learn.
Dr. Walter Fleming Ph.D.
Department Head and ProfessorMontana State University
Department of Native American Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Research Support Specialists?
Dr. Walter Fleming Ph.D.: The pandemic has been particularly difficult for Native communities and other people of color, as well as people living in pockets of poverty. Many people in indigenous communities have passed away due to complications of COVID. Native communities have been hit particularly hard because of the already high health disparities, such as heart disease and diabetes. Much cultural knowledge has been lost because of the high toll among our Elders. It will no doubt take generations to recover from the loss of knowledge due to COVID 19, if at all. As they say, when an Elder dies, it is like a library has burned down.
Graduates in ethnic studies should be aware that these communities have many challenges and have already experienced historical trauma. The communities are looking to rebuild and reestablish their infrastructures and lifeways.
What's a good job out of college for Research Support Specialists?
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 will help Research Support Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Walter Fleming Ph.D.: It would be important to someone in Native American Studies to have worked with tribal communities, perhaps with an internship or field experience. A familiarity with the history of Native people and some knowledge of Indigenous culture is quite important. A willingness to work in more isolated communities can often result in a higher salary as it is difficult to recruit otherwise. But, one needs to recognize that tribal communities are historic areas of poverty.
Daniel Livesay Ph.D.
Associate Professor of History, History Department ChairClaremont McKenna College
History Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Research Support Specialists?
Daniel Livesay Ph.D.: Our graduates in History have told us how important all of their classes have been on developing their critical thinking and communication skills. Indeed, those are some of the most important attributes to have when they go onto the job market. There are some careers that need very specialized undergraduate degrees or certifications. For most, though, there is a lot of on-the-job training. That means that flexibility, creativity, and intellect can go a long way, even if one isn't necessarily an expert in the field. So, we always tell our students to emphasize those skills when they apply for jobs.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Daniel Livesay Ph.D.: It's always hard to predict the future, especially with so much uncertainty in the job market right now. It seems unavoidable, though, that companies will have to make major adjustments in the coming months and years. That means that graduates will have to hold a number of different skills: strong organization, excellent communication, and passionate drive. Those are always employable characteristics and I imagine they'll still be needed in the post-pandemic economy.
How have salaries changed over time for Research Support Specialists?
Daniel Livesay Ph.D.: Salaries have been challenging to track over the last year due to the pandemic. However, we have noticed that History majors continue to do earn strong salaries after graduation over the last ten years. In particular, salary evaluations of History majors show that they take off four to five years after graduation. Typically, that is because History majors have honed communication and critical thinking skills that set them up well for promotions and career advancement.
David Brown
Professor of HistoryElizabethtown College
History Department
What soft skills should all Research Support Specialists 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 Research Support Specialists 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.
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 Research Support Specialist 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist 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 Research Support Specialists?
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 soft skills should all Research Support Specialists possess?
Anthony Miller: I think it's quite clear that employers will expect job candidates to be flexible and creative in a number of ways given the ongoing pandemic. Where people work, what roles they take on, new ways to think about collaborating with peers, abrupt schedule changes, and rethinking how to deliver goods and services remotely with public safety in mind are now en vogue and likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Adjusting to that kind of workplace means workers must adapt and exhibit strong time management, effective written communication, and collaborate with their co-workers with energy and enthusiasm.
What's a day at work look like for a Research Support Specialist?
Anthony Miller: Honestly, right now a recent graduate's "day at work" for one day to the next will likely not look the same. I think it should be expected that recent graduates will spend one day working remotely from the home, and the next be called into workspace with their colleagues face-to-face. Recent graduates will also likely have their jobs go from having no travel at present, to a time in the near future when work trips will be a regular expectation from their employer. The one feature that I would expect to be a regular, day-to-day, part of the job would be continuing education to learn new platforms and technologies to enhance their performance at work. So, spending an hour or two each day researching or acquiring new skills, that is something that I think will become a daily routine.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Anthony Miller: 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 technical skills for a Research Support Specialist stand out to employers?
John Nielsen Ph.D.: History majors are problem-oriented and have the ability to work collaboratively. They are able to pull together disparate data, analyze it effectively, and present clear interpretations or solutions. These are skills that are transferable to multiple fields and industries and will always be valued by employers
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Research Support Specialist job market given the pandemic?
John Nielsen Ph.D.: I saw a lot of seniors in the spring who had job offers have those offers rescinded or deferred after the pandemic hit. Things improved a bit in the summer, but until the pandemic is over, hiring just isn't going to return to normal.
What will help Research Support Specialists increase their earning potential?
John Nielsen Ph.D.: Most people assume History is the study of the past. It's not. It's the study of change over time. With change happening faster and faster, the ability to analyze change-to both understand causes and anticipate effects-is a skill that History majors possess. Applying those skills in the workplace can be a real value-add for History majors.