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Undergraduate Research Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does an Undergraduate Research Assistant make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the United States is $55,792 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, an Undergraduate Research Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,126
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,010 to $61,201
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,834
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View as table View as graph 25% $49,010 10% $42,834 90% $66,126 75% $61,201 $55,792 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Undergraduate Research Assistant Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $61,201 $5,100 $1,177 $29
Average $55,792 $4,649 $1,073 $27
25th Percentile $49,010 $4,084 $942 $24
Check out Undergraduate Research Assistant Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Undergraduate Research Assistant Salaries

An Undergraduate Research Assistant'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.

How Do Undergraduate Research Assistant Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Undergraduate Research Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $61,773.
  • California: $61,539.
  • Massachusetts: $60,718.

Top Paying Cities for Undergraduate Research Assistants

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $70,370
  • San Francisco: $69,600
  • Oakland: $68,133

What Skills Can Increase an Undergraduate Research Assistant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.44% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
  • Quality Assurance (Mentioned in 1.92% Job Postings): Verifying the adherence of product with required specifications and expectations to track and resolve deficiencies prior to product release.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.44%
Laboratory Equipment 2.92%
Quality Assurance 1.92%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
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 an Undergraduate Research Assistant's salary.
  • Clinical Research: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Research
 $64,161
15%
Presentation
 $61,929
11%
Accountability
 $59,697
7%
Collaboration
 $59,697
7%
Organizing
 $59,697
7%
Data Collection
 $59,140
6%
Get Latest Data

Undergraduate Research Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Undergraduate Research Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Undergraduate Research Assistant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Undergraduate Research Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Undergraduate Research Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$78,109$38.040%
Financial Services$72,530$35.030%
Pharmaceuticals$72,530$35.030%
Biotechnology$66,950$32.020%
Healthcare$66,950$32.020%

How Education impacts an Undergraduate Research Assistant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Undergraduate Research Assistants 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 an Undergraduate Research Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $53,027 and $58,571).

Undergraduate Research Assistant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Undergraduate Research Assistant
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 15.9%
Associates 7.6%
Bachelors 68.8%
Masters 6.8%
Doctorate 0.6%
view as graph

Undergraduate Research Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Undergraduate Research Assistant'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$49,010
Average $55,792/year
$61,201
$4,084
Average $4,649/month
$5,100
$942
Average $1,073/week
$1,177
$24
Average $27/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,201 $5,100 $1,177 $29
Average $55,792 $4,649 $1,073 $27
25th Percentile $49,010 $4,084 $942 $24

Salaries of jobs related to Undergraduate Research Assistant

Salary Trends for Undergraduate Research Assistant

Salaries for an Undergraduate Research Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,048 in 2023 to around $53,817 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Undergraduate Research Assistant salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Undergraduate Research Assistant Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$54,048
2024
$54,020
2025
$53,817
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $54,048
2024 $54,020
2025 $53,817
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Undergraduate Research Assistant

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Undergraduate Research Assistant

Here are companies hiring for Undergraduate Research Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Undergraduate Research Assistant Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Undergraduate Research Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • Cass Information Systems Inc.

    Columbus, OH

    Research Clerk

    Cass Information Systems Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Researches utility termination warnings, potential missing bills, and late fees.Analyzes payment history, negotiates and arranges payment with utility vend... more

    3 Days Ago

  • National Registry of EMTs

    Columbus, OH

    EMS Research Fellow

    National Registry of EMTs | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Job Summary. The primary role of the EMS Research Fellow is to support the National Registry’s Research Depa... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Head of GTM Research Services

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Head of GTM, Research Services. About the Company. International product research platform providing consumer insights & metrics. Industry. Design. Type. P... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Nationwide Children's Hospital

    Columbus, OH

    Payroll Account

    Nationwide Children's Hospital | Columbus, OH

    Financial Records ManagerManages financial records, prepares and analyzes financial statements, and ensures compliance with accounting standards and regula... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Senior Director of Policy&Research

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Senior Director of Policy & Research. About the Company. Innovative organization advocating for economic security. Industry. Government Administration. Typ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Senior Director of Policy& Research

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Senior Director of Policy & Research. About the Company. Innovative organization advocating for economic security. Industry. Government Administration. Typ... more

    3 Days Ago

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FAQ about Undergraduate Research Assistant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Undergraduate Research Assistant?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Undergraduate Research Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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