How Much Does a Research Assistant Make in California?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Research Assistant in California is $88,880. While Salary.com is seeing that Research Assistant salary in CA can go up to $108,618 or down to $69,199, but most earn between $78,578 and $99,212. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Research Assistant by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
CenExel
Research Assistant - Clinical Research
$142,393/yr
$126,128
$158,659
RANGE: $126,128 - $158,659
Irvine Clinical Research
Research Assistant
$74,740/yr
$66,213
$83,266
RANGE: $66,213 - $83,266
Eurofins Scientific
Research Assistant
$95,078/yr
$80,528
$109,627
RANGE: $80,528 - $109,627
ObjectiveHealth
Research Assistant
$87,785/yr
$75,611
$99,958
RANGE: $75,611 - $99,958
R&D Partners
Research Assistant
$128,994/yr
$111,352
$146,636
RANGE: $111,352 - $146,636
Nudge Real Estate
Research Assistant
$115,468/yr
$101,471
$129,465
RANGE: $101,471 - $129,465
Jobtrain
Research Assistant
$118,691/yr
$102,452
$134,929
RANGE: $102,452 - $134,929
$142,109/yr
$125,898
$158,321
RANGE: $125,898 - $158,321
Headlands Research
Research Assistant
$102,688/yr
$84,181
$121,195
RANGE: $84,181 - $121,195

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Research Assistant Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Research Assistant can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Research Assistant job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Research Assistant jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Research Assistant positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Research Assistant salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Research Assistant salary is $101,128 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Research Assistant salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Research Assistant in California is $88,880, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Research Assistant jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Research Assistant jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $101,128 $8,427 $1,945 $49
Santa Clara $101,128 $8,427 $1,945 $49
Fremont $100,967 $8,414 $1,942 $49
San Francisco $100,725 $8,394 $1,937 $48
Daly City $100,725 $8,394 $1,937 $48
Berkeley $98,308 $8,192 $1,891 $47
Oakland $98,308 $8,192 $1,891 $47
Hayward $98,147 $8,179 $1,887 $47
Antioch $92,828 $7,736 $1,785 $45
Vallejo $90,653 $7,554 $1,743 $44

What Does a Research Assistant Do?

Detail-oriented bench researcher with substantial background in immunology, molecular biology, and cancer research seeks an assistant researcher position with a major hospital, or chemical or medical corporation.
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Each year, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) hires a new cohort of Research Assistants (RAs) who gain real-world experience by working alongside PhD economists to assist with.
Updated November 08, 2021
People who are interested in becoming research assistants may also consider other careers with these median salaries:.
Updated November 05, 2021
The university responded swiftly late Tuesday, announcing the assistant professor’s administrative leave in a statement that said “reactions” to Walker’s research “have led to concerns for their safety and that of the campus.” “Furthermore, the controversy over Dr.
Updated December 22, 2021
Microsoft Search, Assistant and Intelligence (MSAI) brings together multiple areas of research to innovate in the products that millions of people use everyday.
Updated December 06, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Research Assistant Salaries

What is the average of a Research Assistant in California?

The Research Assistant salary range is from $78,578 to $99,212, and the average Research Assistant salary is $88,880/year in California. The Research Assistant's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Research Assistant salary in the United States?

The Research Assistant salary in San Jose, CA is $101,128 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Research Assistant's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Research Assistant.

What is the growth rate of the Research Assistant's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Research Assistant or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Research Assistant.