As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Associate III - Academic in the United States is $90,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Research Associate III - Academic's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Research Associate III - Academic Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $99,700 | $8,308 | $1,917 | $48 |
| Average | $90,500 | $7,542 | $1,740 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,600 | $6,467 | $1,492 | $37 |
A Research Associate III - 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 | 14.17% |
| Data Analysis | 3.45% |
| Cell Biology | 1.79% |
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 a Research Associate III - Academic's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Oncology | $116,745 | |
| Microbiology | $111,315 | |
| Immunology | $103,170 |
Research Associate III - Academic salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $101,138. While startup companies pay approximate $85,552.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $85,552 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $90,480 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $97,661 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $101,138 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Associate III - Academics enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 III - Academic with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $88,700 and $96,391).
| Typical Education for Research Associate III - Academic | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 8.8% |
| Masters | 30.3% |
| Doctorate | 59.8% |
Understanding how a Research Associate III - 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 | $99,700 | $8,308 | $1,917 | $48 |
| Average | $90,500 | $7,542 | $1,740 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,600 | $6,467 | $1,492 | $37 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research Associate III - 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Dean of Career Development | $74,500 | -18% |
| Associate Dean of Computer and Information Systems | $96,200 | 6% |
| College Dean of Dentistry | $323,900 | 258% |
| Deputy Dean of Education | $124,401 | 37% |
Salaries for a Research Associate III - Academic can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $95,272 in 2023 to around $92,922 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Associate III - Academic salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $95,272 |
| 2024 | $95,452 |
| 2025 | $92,922 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Associate III - Academic roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
Academic researchers often earn salaries funded by grants, which can vary significantly. For a Research Associate, salaries typically range from $80,500 to $108,800, with a midpoint around $94,000. This reliance on grants can create financial uncertainty, as funding isn't guaranteed, leading to potential gaps in income during grant application periods.
The highest salary for a Research Associate is $108,800. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $80,500, with a mid-level salary of $94,000. This reflects the competitive nature of academic research positions and the value placed on experienced professionals in the field.
Jobs in fields like Data Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Aerospace Engineering offer some of the highest salaries in science-related sectors. For Research Associates, salaries range from $80,500 to $108,800, with a median of $94,000. Roles in R&D, AI development, and clinical research are particularly lucrative.
A research associate is a valuable position, contributing significantly to organizational decision-making and product management. With a salary range from $80,500 to $108,800, including a mid-salary of $94,000, it offers competitive compensation. Understanding this role can help you determine if it aligns with your career aspirations.
Careers in academic research involve using specialized knowledge to conduct and analyze research, contributing to papers, books, and journals. Academic researchers also present at conferences and may supervise and teach university students. The salary for a Research Associate in this field ranges from $80,500 to $108,800, with a median salary of $94,000.
Academic researchers often earn salaries funded by grants, which can vary significantly. For a Research Associate, salaries typically range from $80,500 to $108,800, with a median of $94,000. This reliance on grants can create financial uncertainty, as funding isn't guaranteed, leading to potential gaps in income during grant application periods.
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