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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Data Specialist in Pennsylvania is $98,796 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Research Data Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Research Data Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $107,264 | $8,939 | $2,063 | $52 |
| Average | $98,796 | $8,233 | $1,900 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,443 | $7,620 | $1,759 | $44 |
System One - Pittsburgh, PA
FocusGroupPanel - Bensalem, PA
UPMC Life Changing Medicine - Pittsburgh, PA
Confidential - Pittsburgh, PA
A Research Data Specialist'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Data Specialist'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 |
|---|---|
| Research ... Level Research Data Specialist | $69,763 |
| Research ... Level Research Data Specialist | $81,137 |
| Research ... Level Research Data Specialist | $98,174 |
| Research ... Level Research Data Specialist | $129,447 |
| Research ... Level Research Data Specialist | $158,062 |
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 Research Data Specialists. 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 Research Data Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Research Data Specialist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Data Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $108,676 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $108,676 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $108,676 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $108,676 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $108,676 | $52.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Research Data Specialist'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 | $107,264 | $8,939 | $2,063 | $52 |
| Average | $98,796 | $8,233 | $1,900 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,443 | $7,620 | $1,759 | $44 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Research Data Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Penn State University
University Park, PA
Penn State University | University Park, PA
Part-Time Lead Generation Specialist for Research Enterprise. Location: Remote, hybrid or in-person. Department: Research Business Development, within the ... more
8 Days Ago
ApexGroup
Indiana, PA
ApexGroup | Indiana, PA
Apex Focus Group partners with research organizations, academic institutions, and brands seeking genuine consumer feedback. We connect individuals with fle... more
8 Days Ago
Carvana
Philadelphia, PA
Carvana | Philadelphia, PA
We are looking for individuals to ensure the smooth transition of vehicle ownership from Carvana to our customers. You will be responsible for the administ... more
9 Days Ago
Randstad
Malvern, PA
Randstad | Malvern, PA
We are partnered with a growing manufacturing team in Malvern looking for data entry professionals to support order entry. The ideal candidates will be ski... more
9 Days Ago
Dycom Industries Inc
Harleysville, PA
Dycom Industries Inc | Harleysville, PA
Harleysville, PA Doylestown, PA Norristown, PA Quakertown, PAWorkplace Type:OfficeEmployment Type:HourlyDiscover a more connected careerAt Parkside Utility... more
9 Days Ago
Insight Global
Harrisburg, PA
Insight Global | Harrisburg, PA
Insight Global is seeking a Data Entry Specialist to join one of their clients in the Harrisburg, PA area. This individual will be required to come onsite ... more
9 Days Ago
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