As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Executive in the United States is $252,308 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $121.
However, a Research Executive's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Executive'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 Research Executive'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 |
|---|---|
| Clinical ... Level Research Executive | $71,184 |
| Scientist... Level Research Executive | $101,104 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Executive | $109,210 |
| Clinical ... Level Research Executive | $162,585 |
| Research ... Level Research Executive | $250,773 |
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 Executives. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.32% |
| Clinical Leadership | 2.44% |
| Study Design | 2.44% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Supply Chain
|
$310,339 |
23%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$297,723 |
18%
|
|
Biostatistics
|
$292,677 |
16%
|
|
Business Development
|
$285,108 |
13%
|
|
Insight
|
$282,585 |
12%
|
|
SOP
|
$282,585 |
12%
|
For Research Executive roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Research Executive positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Executive as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $302,770 | $146.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $277,539 | $133.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Executives enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Research Executive with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $240,774 and $280,944).
Research Executive Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 25.0% |
| High School | 21.4% |
| Associates | 53.6% |
| Bachelors | 25.0% |
| Masters | 21.4% |
| Doctorate | 53.6% |
Understanding how a Research Executive'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 September 01, 2026Salaries for a Research Executive can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $203,283 in 2023 to around $201,301 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Executive salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $203,283 |
| 2024 | $203,354 |
| 2025 | $201,301 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Executive roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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