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Research Officer Salary in the United States

How much does a Research Officer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Officer in the United States is $77,450 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a Research Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $89,498
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,171 to $83,756
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,724
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Research Officer Salaries

A Research Officer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Research Officer Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $85,752.
  • California: $85,427.
  • Massachusetts: $84,288.

Top Paying Cities for Research Officers

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:

  • San Jose: $97,687
  • San Francisco: $96,618
  • Oakland: $94,581

What Skills Can Increase a Research Officer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 16.67% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Business Administration (Mentioned in 16.67% Job Postings): It is the management of all aspects of a business's performance, decisions, and organization. It includes the day to day operations, aspects including finances and human resources, and ensures the company stays aligned to the goal or mission.
  • Credit Analysis (Mentioned in 16.67% Job Postings): Credit analysis is the method by which one calculates the creditworthiness of a business or organization. In other words, It is the evaluation of the ability of a company to honor its financial obligations. The audited financial statements of a large company might be analyzed when it issues or has issued bonds. Or, a bank may analyze the financial statements of a small business before making or renewing a commercial loan. The term refers to either case, whether the business is large or small. The objective of credit analysis is to look at both the borrower and the lending facility being proposed and to assign a risk rating. The risk rating is derived by estimating the probability of default by the borrower at a given confidence level over the life of the facility, and by estimating the amount of loss that the lender would suffer in the event of default. Credit analysis involves a wide variety of financial analysis techniques, including ratio and trend analysis as well as the creation of projections and a detailed analysis of cash flows. Credit analysis also includes an examination of collateral and other sources of repayment as well as credit history and management ability. Analysts attempt to predict the probability that a borrower will default on its debts, and also the severity of losses in the event of default. Credit spreads—the difference in interest rates between theoretically "risk-free" investments such as U.S. treasuries or LIBOR and investments that carry some risk of default—reflect credit analysis by financial market participants.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 16.67%
Business Administration 16.67%
Credit Analysis 16.67%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Research Officer's salary.

  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Business Administration: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 0%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Risk Management $80,548
4%
Business Administration $79,773
3%
Analysis $77,450
0%
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Research Officer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Research Officer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Research Officer positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Research Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Research Officer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$85,195$41.010%

How Education impacts a Research Officer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Officers enter the field with a Associate'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 Research Officer with a Associate's Degree is between $72,675 and $78,788).

Research Officer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Research Officer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 100.0%
High School 0.0%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 100.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Research Officer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research Officer'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, 2026
$68,171
Average $77,450/year
$83,756
$5,681
Average $6,454/month
$6,980
$1,311
Average $1,489/week
$1,611
$33
Average $37/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $83,756 $6,980 $1,611 $40
Average $77,450 $6,454 $1,489 $37
25th Percentile $68,171 $5,681 $1,311 $33

Most common benefits for Research Officer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Research Officer

Here are companies hiring for Research Officer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Research Officer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Research Officer?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Officer roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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