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Desk Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AARP

Research Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$28/hr

Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and landscape analyses on topics related to anti-poverty and social innovation, focusing on economic mobility, financial well-being, and social connection ...

The Black Institute Inc

Research Associate

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$45K - $50K/mo

Responsibilities: · Identifying and coordinating development of appropriates research data and writing reports to support TBI's campaigns and special projects · Gathering information through desk ...

The Black Institute Inc

Research Associate

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$45K - $50K/mo

Responsibilities: · Identifying and coordinating development of appropriates research data and writing reports to support TBI's campaigns and special projects · Gathering information through desk ...

Keylent Inc

Jr. Associate-UX

Wichita, KS · On-site

Should have some experience in carrying out: * primary research (eg customer interviews, ethnography, usability testing, etc) * secondary research (eg industry and best in class desk research ...

Uottawa

Research Assistant

Campus, IL · On-site

$31.89 - $50.25/hr

Desk research, literature review, summary of findings, organisation and data analysis. Qualifications : Must be a student in one of the following programme anthropology, sociology, interdisciplinary ...

GiveWell

OR

Answering defined research questions through desk research. You will conduct secondary research-synthesizing information from academic papers, government statistics, NGO reports, World Bank and DHS ...

GiveWell

Research Analyst

Answering defined research questions through desk research. You will conduct secondary research-synthesizing information from academic papers, government statistics, NGO reports, World Bank and DHS ...

Gartner

Senior Research Analyst, Research Board

Stamford, CT · On-site

$123K - $124K/yr

Identify and collect the data you need to do so through a range of channels, including interviewing and surveying GRB members, analyzing proprietary data, conducting secondary desk research, and ...

Gartner

Senior Research Analyst, Research Board

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$127K - $127K/yr

Identify and collect the data you need to do so through a range of channels, including interviewing and surveying GRB members, analyzing proprietary data, conducting secondary desk research, and ...

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Desk Research information

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How much do desk research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for desk research in the United States is $23.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Desk Research position, and why are they important?

To excel in Desk Research, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in synthesizing information from various sources are essential, often supported by degrees in research-oriented fields such as social sciences, business, or information science. Competence with data analysis tools, online research databases, spreadsheets, and citation management software is commonly required. Exceptional organizational skills, time management, and clear written communication help distinguish top performers. These abilities enable accurate, comprehensive, and efficient delivery of research findings that support informed business decisions.

What is the highest paid research job?

In research roles, senior positions such as research directors, principal investigators, or chief scientists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and are common in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, and government research agencies.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Desk Research?

A typical day in Desk Research involves gathering and analyzing data from a variety of online and offline sources to provide valuable insights for your team or clients. You might spend time reviewing industry reports, compiling market trends, preparing summaries, and verifying facts to ensure accuracy. Desk Researchers often work closely with project managers, strategists, or other subject matter experts to clarify research objectives and tailor findings to specific business needs. The work environment is generally structured, with clear deadlines and the autonomy to manage your workload, making time management skills especially important.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Desk research roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often involve sales, real estate, or freelance consulting, which may require strong communication skills, industry knowledge, or certifications rather than formal degrees.

What is the highest paying desk job?

High-paying desk jobs often include roles such as management analysts, financial managers, and IT managers, which typically require advanced degrees and specialized skills. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with experience and certifications like CPA or PMP.

What is a desk researcher?

A desk researcher is a professional who gathers and analyzes information from existing sources such as reports, databases, and online resources to support decision-making or research projects. They typically use research tools like spreadsheets and databases and require strong analytical and information management skills.

What is a Desk Research job?

A Desk Research job involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing existing information from various sources such as reports, online databases, academic papers, and market studies. Researchers compile relevant data to support business decisions, market analysis, or policy development. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret secondary data effectively. It is commonly used in industries like consulting, marketing, and academia to gain insights without conducting new, primary research.

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What job categories do people searching Desk Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Desk Research jobs are:
Desk Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desk Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,688 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Research Intern

Research Intern

AARP

Washington, DC • On-site

$28/hr

Internship

Re-posted 27 days ago

AARP rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 694 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Overview
AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
Are you passionate about using research and data to inform strategy and decision-making that will yield tangible social impact? Come join us at the AARP Foundation's Impact Analytics research team! Through this internship, you will gain valuable experience doing research and data analysis in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. We will challenge you to think and work creatively on real-world projects that support the Foundation's efforts in creating and advancing effective solutions to reduce poverty for and with older adults. We are committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and extend into the Fall 2026 semester, with the possibility of extension for additional semesters
Responsibilities
  • Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and landscape analyses on topics related to anti-poverty and social innovation, focusing on economic mobility, financial well-being, and social connection among older adults (ages 50+)
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from external and internal sources (e.g., publicly available datasets, proprietary surveys) to generate insights on older Americans with low income to inform program design, strategic planning, and thought leadership development
  • Conduct desk research to identify impact/performance metrics, as well as suitable benchmarks, for social innovations/initiatives/interventions in the areas of interest
  • Contribute to the creation of reports, presentations, data visuals, and other research deliverables
  • Contribute to the development of research tools and data collection instruments
  • Support the coordination and project management of research activities and projects
  • Apply inquiry and problem-solving skills to advance the efficiency of research processes
  • Support improvements in knowledge management, data analysis, and research synthesis through the use of generative AI tools in a manner consistent with AARP policy

Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral program in economics, public policy, public health, demography, gerontology, or a related field within the social sciences, and must remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
  • Prior experience conducting research projects, including experience with landscape analysis and systematic literature reviews (preferred)
  • Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., Stata, SAS, SPSS, or R), qualitative software (NVivo, Atlas.ti), reference management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero), or data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
  • Experience in quantitative data related to economic, social, or demographic trends affecting the well-being of large and diverse populations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Additional Requirements
  • Regular and reliable job attendance
  • Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
  • In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range is $18.40 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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