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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Professional Research Assistant in California is $77,816 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Professional Research Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Professional Research Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $85,598 | $7,133 | $1,646 | $41 |
| Average | $77,816 | $6,485 | $1,496 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,258 | $5,855 | $1,351 | $34 |
Stanford University - Stanford, CA
Micro Paradox - Pleasant Grove, CA
Donor Network West - Fresno, CA
BioPhase Solutions - San Diego, CA
A Professional 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 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 Professional Research Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Professional Research Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Professional Research Assistant positions in Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Professional Research Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $93,380 | $45.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Professional 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,598 | $7,133 | $1,646 | $41 |
| Average | $77,816 | $6,485 | $1,496 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,258 | $5,855 | $1,351 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Professional Research Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Flourish Research
Los Angeles, CA
Flourish Research | Los Angeles, CA
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Flourish Research
Covina, CA
Flourish Research | Covina, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About Us. Flourish Research is where clinical trials thrive. Flourish Research is one of the industry’s most progressive ... more
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ProSciento, Inc.
Chula Vista, CA
ProSciento, Inc. | Chula Vista, CA
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Flourish Research
Walnut Creek, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. About Us. Flourish Research is where clinical trials thrive. Flourish Research is one of the industry’s most progressive ... more
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Flourish Research
Murrieta, CA
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Tailored Management
Atherton, CA
Tailored Management | Atherton, CA
Job Title :Research Assistant VLocation :Remote. west coast ideallyContract :12 Months(Possibility for extension)Pay Rate :$57.18 / hr, W2Benefits :Medical... more
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