Research Assistant Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Research Assistant salary lies between USD 39,500 and USD 85,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 24, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Research Assistant roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Research Assistant job listings are Research, Python and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 141 jobs Python | 114 jobs Machine Learning | 87 jobs Computer Science | 73 jobs Engineering | 63 jobs Statistics | 61 jobs R | 59 jobs Mathematics | 41 jobs Data analysis | 40 jobs PhD | 37 jobs Matlab | 27 jobs Physics | 26 jobs Security | 24 jobs Testing | 23 jobs Privacy | 23 jobs Deep Learning | 22 jobs PyTorch | 22 jobs Linux | 19 jobs Industrial | 19 jobs Stata | 17 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Research Assistant roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Research Assistant job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 72 jobs Health care | 46 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Conferences | 26 jobs Competitive pay | 25 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs Medical leave | 19 jobs Team events | 15 jobs Startup environment | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Insurance | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Wellness | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Research Assistant in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a fixed base salary, which is the primary component. This base salary can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. In addition to the base salary, some companies offer bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profits. These bonuses are more common in larger companies or those in the private sector. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development funds.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Research Assistant position, consider pursuing further education, such as a master's or Ph.D. in a related field, which can open doors to more advanced roles. Gaining specialized skills in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or big data analytics can also make you more valuable. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can lead to opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, gaining experience in leading projects or teams can position you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.

Educational Requirements

Most Research Assistant positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, mathematics, or statistics. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or even a Ph.D., especially for roles that involve complex research and development tasks. A strong academic background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analysis is often essential.

Helpful Certificates

While not always required, certain certificates can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Certificates from recognized institutions or platforms, such as the Certified Data Scientist (CDS) or certifications from Coursera, edX, or Udacity in machine learning or data science, can be beneficial. These certifications can help you stand out by showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and your proficiency in specific tools or methodologies.

Experience Requirements

Typically, entry-level Research Assistant roles may require some prior experience, such as internships or project work related to AI/ML or data science. For more advanced positions, employers might look for candidates with 2-3 years of experience in a similar role. Experience with programming languages like Python or R, familiarity with machine learning frameworks, and hands-on experience with data analysis are often expected.

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