How Much Does a Research Specialist make?

Research Specialist made a median salary around $68,753 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $80,171 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $61,168. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Research Specialist jobs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Research Data Management Specialist

Penn State University - University Park, PA

Research Specialist B

Proclinical Staffing - Philadelphia, PA

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Best-Paying Cities for Research Specialist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Research Specialist profession are Matamoras , Newtown , Fairless Hills , Langhorne , Washington Crossing .
Matamoras, PA $79,083
Newtown, PA $75,803
Fairless Hills, PA $75,803
Langhorne, PA $75,803
Washington Crossing, PA $75,803

Best-Paying States for Research Specialist

The states and districts that pay Research Specialist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $77,687) , California (around $76,989) , New Jersey (around $76,501) , Alaska (around $76,012) , and Massachusetts (around $75,942) .
District of Columbia $77,687
California $76,989
New Jersey $76,501
Alaska $76,012
Massachusetts $75,942

What is the Career Path of Research Specialist?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Research Specialist, the upper level is Operations Research Analyst II , and then progresses to Operations Research Analysis Supervisor
Besides, Research Specialist can also turn to other related jobs, including Claims Research Specialist , Clinical Research Specialist , Market Research Specialist and Research Compliance Specialist .

Frequently Asked Questions for Research Specialist

Q: What is the salary range of Research Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Research Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA earned an average annual salary of $61,168 , while the highest-paid made $80,171.
Q: What is the salary for a Research Specialist in California?
A: Research Specialist employed in California earned an average salary of $76,989 in 2025.

Average Research Specialist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Research Specialist earned an average salary of $68,753 in 2025. Other jobs related to Research Specialist earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Claims Research Specialist made $52,626 , Clinical Research Specialist made $79,357 , Market Research Specialist and Research Compliance Specialist made $75,643 and $65,617 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Research Specialist

Claims Research Specialist - Average Salary $52,626
There is currently no job description for Claims Research Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Claims Research Specialist.
Clinical Research Specialist - Average Salary $79,357
There is currently no job description for Clinical Research Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Clinical Research Specialist.
Market Research Specialist - Average Salary $75,643
There is currently no job description for Market Research Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Market Research Specialist.
Research Compliance Specialist - Average Salary $65,617
There is currently no job description for Research Compliance Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Research Compliance Specialist.
Research Data Specialist - Average Salary $111,803
There is currently no job description for Research Data Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Research Data Specialist.