As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Associate I - Academic in the United States is $58,760 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Research Associate I - Academic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Associate I - Academic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Associate I - Academic's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate I - Academic | 0-2 years | $58,760 |
| Intermediate Researcher - Academic | 4-7 years | $76,617 |
| Research Associate III - Academic | 7+ years | $90,476 |
| College Dean | 7+ years | $118,245 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Research Associate I - Academics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 12.21% |
| Data Analysis | 2.9% |
| Financial Services | 1.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cell Biology
|
$73,450 |
25%
|
|
Cell Culture
|
$72,862 |
24%
|
|
Immunology
|
$71,100 |
21%
|
|
Process Development
|
$69,337 |
18%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$69,337 |
18%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$68,749 |
17%
|
Research Associate I - Academic salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,723. While startup companies pay approximate $55,582.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $55,582 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $58,786 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $63,468 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $65,723 |
For Research Associate I - Academic roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Research Associate I - Academic positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Associate I - Academic as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $73,450 | $35.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $73,450 | $35.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $73,450 | $35.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $70,512 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $67,574 | $32.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Associate I - 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 a Research Associate I - Academic with a Bachelor's Degree is between $58,927 and $63,082).
Research Associate I - Academic Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 a Research Associate I - 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research Associate I - 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 | $59,600 | 1% |
| Associate Dean of Career Development | $96,400 | 64% |
| Associate Dean of Computer and Information Systems | $96,400 | 64% |
| Educational Consultant | $114,601 | 95% |
Salaries for a Research Associate I - 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 Research Associate I - Academic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $52,789 |
| 2024 | $52,194 |
| 2025 | $51,377 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Associate I - Academic roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Academic research salaries can vary significantly. For a Research Associate in academia, the salary ranges from a minimum of $56,070 to a mid-point of $62,300, with a maximum of $75,750. While some positions may offer higher pay, these figures reflect typical earnings in the field.
Research Associates in academia earn varying salaries based on experience and location. The minimum salary is approximately $56,070, with a mid-range salary of about $62,300, and a maximum salary reaching around $75,750. While compensation can vary, these figures indicate a competitive salary for this role.
A research associate is a valuable position, contributing significantly to organizational decision-making and product management. With a salary range from $56,070 to $75,750, including a mid-salary of $62,300, it offers competitive compensation. Understanding this role can help you determine if it aligns with your career aspirations.
Research Associate positions in academia typically offer salaries ranging from $56,070 to $75,750, with a median salary of $62,300. While this is competitive, other high-paying research roles include statisticians earning around $87,935, and biomedical engineers making approximately $93,143 annually.
A research associate typically requires a Master's or PhD, as these roles demand expert knowledge in a specific field. Postgraduate qualifications enhance research skills and expertise. The salary for a research associate ranges from $56,070 to $75,750, with a median salary of $62,300, reflecting the advanced qualifications and responsibilities involved.
High Paying Research Jobs include Research Director with salaries ranging from $135,500 to $229,000, Research Scientist earning between $107,500 and $173,000, and Animal Scientist at $173,000. For a Research Associate in academia, the salary ranges from $56,070 to $75,750, with a mid-salary of $62,300, reflecting the diverse opportunities in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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