As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Researcher - Academic in the United States is $58,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Entry Researcher - Academic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Entry Researcher - Academic Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,700 | $5,475 | $1,263 | $32 |
| Average | $58,800 | $4,900 | $1,131 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,700 | $4,225 | $975 | $24 |
An Entry Researcher - Academic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 12.21% |
| Data Analysis | 2.9% |
| Financial Services | 1.78% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Researcher - Academic's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Biology | $73,500 | |
| Cell Culture | $72,912 | |
| Immunology | $71,148 |
Entry Researcher - Academic salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,711. While startup companies pay approximate $55,585.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $55,585 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $58,787 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $63,453 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $65,711 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Researcher - Academics enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Researcher - Academic with a Bachelor's Degree is between $58,969 and $63,100).
| Typical Education for Entry Researcher - Academic | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 0.9% |
| Associates | 0.7% |
| Bachelors | 41.3% |
| Masters | 37.5% |
| Doctorate | 19.4% |
Understanding how an Entry Researcher - Academic's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,700 | $5,475 | $1,263 | $32 |
| Average | $58,800 | $4,900 | $1,131 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,700 | $4,225 | $975 | $24 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Researcher - Academic, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instructional Designer II | $66,800 | 14% |
| Associate Dean of Career Development | $74,500 | 27% |
| Associate Dean of Computer and Information Systems | $96,200 | 64% |
| Educational Consultant | $115,001 | 96% |
Salaries for an Entry Researcher - Academic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $52,789 in 2023 to around $51,377 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Researcher - Academic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $52,789 |
| 2024 | $52,194 |
| 2025 | $51,377 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Researcher - Academic roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
A good salary for an Entry Researcher in the USA ranges from approximately USD 56,100 to USD 75,800, with a mid-point of around USD 62,300. This reflects a competitive compensation in the academic field, aligning with the broader average salary in the USA, which is about USD 59,640 in 2024.
Researchers, particularly entry-level academic researchers, earn a salary ranging from $56,100 to $75,800, with a median salary of approximately $62,300. While this is lower than the national median for research scientists, which is $145,080, entry-level positions often provide valuable experience and opportunities for growth in the field.
Yes, research positions can offer competitive salaries. For an Entry Researcher in academia, salaries typically range from $56,100 to $75,800, with a mid-point around $62,300. While not all research studies pay participants, many clinical trials do offer compensation, which can vary widely based on the study's nature and requirements.
Being a researcher can be stressful due to tight deadlines, high expectations for quality work, and the competitive nature of securing funding. However, the level of stress varies by individual and work environment. Entry-level researchers can expect salaries ranging from $56,100 to $75,800, which may add to the pressure to perform well.
Entry-level researchers at Harvard typically earn between $56,100 and $75,800 annually, with a median salary around $62,300. This range reflects the competitive compensation for academic researchers, aligning with industry standards for similar positions.
As of now, the salary for an Entry Researcher in academia in the United States ranges from $56,100 to $75,800 annually, with a median salary of $62,300. This translates to approximately $27.00 to $36.45 per hour, or about $1,080 to $1,450 per week.
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