As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Professor in the United States is $199,079 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $96.
However, a Research Professor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Professor'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 Professor'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Research Professor | $197,686 |
| Intermediate Level Research Professor | $198,266 |
| Senior Level Research Professor | $198,846 |
| Specialist Level Research Professor | $199,659 |
| Expert Level Research Professor | $202,204 |
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 Professors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.71% |
| Bioinformatics | 2.78% |
| Computer Science | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oncology
|
$220,978 |
11%
|
|
Insight
|
$215,005 |
8%
|
|
Talent Acquisition
|
$215,005 |
8%
|
|
Immunology
|
$215,005 |
8%
|
|
Integrity
|
$213,015 |
7%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$213,015 |
7%
|
For Research Professor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Research Professor positions in Pharmaceuticals or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Professor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $258,803 | $124.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $238,895 | $115.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Professors enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Professor with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $178,509 and $192,116).
Research Professor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.0% |
| High School | 12.1% |
| Associates | 79.9% |
| Bachelors | 8.0% |
| Masters | 12.1% |
| Doctorate | 79.9% |
Understanding how a Research Professor'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, 2026Salaries for a Research Professor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $189,797 in 2023 to around $182,241 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Professor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $189,797 |
| 2024 | $184,981 |
| 2025 | $182,241 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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