As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Scholar in the United States is $67,316 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Scholar'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 Scholar | $66,299 |
| Intermediate Level Research Scholar | $66,589 |
| Senior Level Research Scholar | $69,496 |
| Specialist Level Research Scholar | $71,696 |
| Expert Level Research Scholar | $72,575 |
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 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
|
$71,355 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$70,682 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$70,682 |
5%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$70,009 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$68,662 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$68,662 |
2%
|
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 January 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 |
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|
| 2023 | $64,432 |
| 2024 | $64,317 |
| 2025 | $64,112 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Research Scholar and their salaries, click below for more details.
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