How much do research assistants make per hour in the US?

Research Assistant hourly rates in the US vary, averaging around $19 to $22 per hour, but can range widely from minimum wage levels (around $14-$16/hr for students) up to $30+/hr for experienced roles or specialized fields, with higher pay in high-cost-of-living areas like Palo Alto or New York, and significant differences for roles like Graduate vs. Clinical Research Assistants.

How much do research assistants make in the US?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $66,000 and as low as $17,500, the majority of Research Assistant salaries currently range between $38,500 (25th percentile) to $53,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $60,500 annually across the United States.

How much do research assistants get paid in the USA?

Scientific Artist in America make an average salary of $53,198 per year or $25.58 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $62,400 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $34,368 per year.

How much are research assistants paid?

What can I earn as a Research Assistant? The average monthly salary for Research Assistant jobs in Singapore ranges from $3,900 to $5,000.

What does a Research Assistant get paid?

A Research Assistant's salary in the US averages around $45,000-$48,000 annually, varying significantly by location, experience, and field, with typical ranges from $38,000 to $53,000, but can go higher for specialized roles or top earners, potentially exceeding $60,000-$100,000+ for senior or highly skilled positions in major cities or universities, reports ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor in early 2026. 

What it's REALLY like working as a Research Assistant in Academia 🇬🇧 | job scope, salary & culture

Is a research assistant a stressful job?

Most research assistants are on short-term contracts, and organizations rarely extend contracts after they end. The lack of job security is problematic for many research assistants and can lead to increased stress.

What jobs pay $200,000 a year in California?

Jobs in California paying $200k+ are common in Tech (Software Engineer, Product Manager), Healthcare (Physician, Dentist, Veterinarian, Nurse Practitioner), Law (Attorney roles), and Executive/Sales (CFO, Sales Director, Account Executive), often requiring advanced degrees or specialized experience in high-demand fields like AI, with roles in SF Bay Area, LA, and San Diego often hitting this mark. 

Is being a research assistant worth it?

The role of a research assistant can prepare students to manage many responsibilities. These diverse yet challenging tasks can strengthen students' critical thinking, communication skills, and academic writing.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistant qualifications typically require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, strong analytical and communication skills, and proficiency with data analysis tools like R, Python, or Stata, though entry-level roles may accept an Associate's degree with experience, while advanced positions (especially in clinical or highly technical fields) might prefer or require a master's degree, relevant certifications, and specific lab or software expertise. Key skills include attention to detail, organization, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
 

What is the highest salary for a research assistant?

What is the highest salary offered as Research Assistant? Highest reported salary offered as Research Assistant is ₹62.3lakhs. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹27.0lakhs per year.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

Professions making $400,000 a year generally fall into medicine (specialty surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists), high-level corporate roles (CEOs, C-Suite), finance (investment banking, top finance execs), law (partners), technology (senior engineers, tech sales), and top-tier sales (medical equipment, enterprise software). These roles demand significant education, experience, specialized skills, or high performance, often with compensation including bonuses and stock. 

How much do you earn as a Research Assistant?

The estimated average salary for a Research Assistant at University of New South Wales is $85,000 per year or $41 per hour, but some professionals have reported earning up to roughly $142,000 per year (90th percentile).

Is getting a PhD worth it financially?

Financially, a PhD's worth is mixed: it offers higher lifetime earnings and lower unemployment in some fields (STEM, certain industries) but requires sacrificing 4-6 years of salary (a significant opportunity cost) and can involve debt, with poor returns in weaker markets; the value depends heavily on your field, career goals, and ability to secure funding or high-paying post-grad roles. While PhDs often earn more than master's holders and can access high-level jobs, especially in industry, it's a risky investment if you don't need it for your desired career path. 

Is it hard to become a research assistant?

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a related field when hiring a research assistant. Completing your degree shows that you have attained in-depth knowledge in the field you are researching.

What is a good salary to ask for entry level?

A good entry-level salary varies, but research suggests averages around $40k-$60k, with recent grads potentially seeing higher for competitive roles, influenced by location, industry, and skills, so use tools like Payscale and Glassdoor to find your specific range and aim for 5-10% above average if you have strong skills, or align with the typical range. 

How much is the salary of a research assistant?

A Research Assistant's salary in the US averages around $45,000-$48,000 annually, varying significantly by location, experience, and field, with typical ranges from $38,000 to $53,000, but can go higher for specialized roles or top earners, potentially exceeding $60,000-$100,000+ for senior or highly skilled positions in major cities or universities, reports ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor in early 2026. 

Is a research assistant an entry level job?

This entry-level position is ideal for someone with foundational data management skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Experience with data entry systems or databases.

Is a research assistant a hard job?

The challenges The role of a research assistant can be challenging due to heavy workloads, low pay relative to qualifications, limited recognition, and autonomy, as well as potential ethical dilemmas.

Which degree is best for a research assistant?

What degree do you need to become a research assistant? Most research assistant roles require at least a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology, psychology, public health, or biomedical sciences. Some positions may accept associate degree holders with strong lab experience or certifications.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

How many hours a week does a research assistant work?

However, most graduate assistants are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week, with some positions and programs allowing for 10 hours of work per week. The list of the types of graduate assistant positions is made up of multiple types of employment.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in roles like Dental/Medical Assistant (with short training), skilled trades (Electrician, HVAC), Delivery Driver (UPS, FedEx), specialized sales, Real Estate Agent, and some tech roles like AI Trainer or Medical Coder, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or a strong work ethic for entry, with remote options available in customer service or data entry if you have strong computer skills, notes www.nysmda.com, Tallo, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/3000-A-Month-Jobs-No-Degree. 

How can I make $100,000 a year without a college degree?

You can earn $100k a year without a degree by pursuing skilled trades (electrician, plumber), tech roles (software developer, cybersecurity), sales (tech, insurance), or specialized positions like air traffic controller or elevator mechanic, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and building practical experience to qualify for high-paying, in-demand roles. 

Is $200,000 considered middle class?

Yes, $200,000 can be considered middle class, but it heavily depends on your location and local cost of living, as high-cost areas like major cities often push the upper limit for middle-class income to $200k or more, while in lower-cost areas it's considered upper-middle class or even wealthy. Definitions vary, but typically, the middle-class range is two-thirds to double the median household income, and in many states and cities, $200k falls within or near this range due to rising expenses like housing, healthcare, and education. 

What profession makes $300,000 a year?

Jobs paying $300k/year are typically senior-level roles in medicine, law, finance, and tech, requiring extensive experience, specialized skills, or entrepreneurship, including surgeons, investment bankers, senior software architects, big law partners, and successful business owners. High-commission sales and specialized trades (like powerline workers) can also reach this level, sometimes without a traditional degree, but demand proven performance and significant expertise.