As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Qualitative Research Analyst in the United States is $62,035 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Qualitative Research Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Qualitative Research Analyst'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 Qualitative Research Analyst'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 |
|---|---|
| Qualitati... Level Qualitative Research Analyst | $61,668 |
| Market Re... Level Qualitative Research Analyst | $73,412 |
| Market Re... Level Qualitative Research Analyst | $102,630 |
| Market Re... Level Qualitative Research Analyst | $135,590 |
| Market Re... Level Qualitative Research Analyst | $108,726 |
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 Qualitative Research Analysts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.89% |
| SQL | 1.8% |
| Business Development | 1.13% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Digital Marketing
|
$66,998 |
8%
|
|
Clinical Research
|
$66,998 |
8%
|
|
CRM
|
$66,377 |
7%
|
|
Google Analytics
|
$65,757 |
6%
|
|
Tableau
|
$65,137 |
5%
|
|
SQL
|
$65,137 |
5%
|
For Qualitative Research Analyst roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Qualitative Research Analyst positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Qualitative Research Analyst as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $77,544 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $74,442 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $74,442 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $74,442 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $71,340 | $34.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Qualitative Research Analysts enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Qualitative Research Analyst with a Bachelor's Degree is between $62,781 and $66,329).
Qualitative Research Analyst Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 1.5% |
| Associates | 1.2% |
| Bachelors | 63.0% |
| Masters | 32.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Qualitative Research Analyst'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Qualitative Research Analyst can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,390 in 2023 to around $63,743 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Qualitative Research Analyst salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,390 |
| 2024 | $64,477 |
| 2025 | $63,743 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Qualitative Research Analyst roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.)
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