Research Associate Contract salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Research Associate Contract in United States is approximately 56,603 USD (56,544 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Research Associate Contract do?

A research associate contract is a temporary position within a research organization or academic institution. The primary responsibility of a research associate is to assist in conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results under the guidance of a principal investigator or senior researcher. They may also be involved in literature reviews, data management, and report writing. Research associates often work in laboratories, field sites, or office settings, depending on the nature of the research project.

Skills: Research associate, Contract position, Data analysis, Laboratory research, Academic institution, Research organization
Job industry: Research and development

How much does Research Associate Contract make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Research Associate Contract a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Research Associate Contract is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Research Associate Contract?

High salary for Research Associate Contract would be somewhere between 62,263 USD and 82,074 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Research Associate Contract in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 56,603 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 4,717 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,089 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 27 USD per hour
By working as Research Associate Contract a person can save up to 2,432 USD per month or 29,184 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Research Associate Contract

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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