As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Scholar in the United States is $67,374 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Research Scholar's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Scholar'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.
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 Scholars. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.25% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 2.89% |
| Quality Assurance | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Research
|
$71,416 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$70,743 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$70,743 |
5%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$70,069 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$68,721 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$68,721 |
2%
|
For Research Scholar roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Research Scholar positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Scholar as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $84,218 | $40.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $80,849 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $77,480 | $37.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $74,111 | $36.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $74,111 | $36.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Scholars enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Scholar with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $68,135 and $75,011).
Research Scholar Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 15.2% |
| Associates | 8.2% |
| Bachelors | 61.0% |
| Masters | 14.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Research Scholar'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 Scholar can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,432 in 2023 to around $64,112 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Scholar salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,432 |
| 2024 | $64,317 |
| 2025 | $64,112 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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