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Desk Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis * Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring

Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis * Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring

Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis * Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring

Research Associate

Brooklyn, NY ยท On-site

$45K - $50K/mo

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

Research Associate

Brooklyn, NY ยท On-site

$45K - $50K/mo

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

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 ...

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 ...

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Desk Research information

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How much do desk research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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.

More about Desk Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Desk Research jobs? The most popular types of Desk Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Desk Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,688 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Research Analyst

Research Analyst

Purple Strategies

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Purple Strategies

Purple Strategies is a corporate reputation and strategy firm that combines the creativity and discipline of brand communications with the speed and strategy ofpolitical campaignsto help leverage or reduce pressure on a business, brand or issue. We help build and defend reputation and brand value and serve Fortune 500 companies, associations, nonprofits and some of the most recognizable brands in the world.ย 

Purple helps the world's most important organizations address their toughest challenges.We operate in a highly collaborative environment and apply integrated, team-based approaches to help clients:ย 

  • ANTICIPATEreputation challenges and opportunities;
  • COMPELchange through business actions and transformation; and
  • NAVIGATEreputation issues, acute crises, key business choices and policy/regulatory changes to inform decision-making.

About The Position ย 

The Research Analyst is responsible for fielding and analyzing quantitative surveys and coordinating qualitative research, as well as working with non-traditional data sources including earned and paid media and desk research. The ideal candidate will love exploring and analyzing data, revel in uncovering hidden insights or trends, and have strong communications skills to turn data findings into meaningful client reports.

Key Responsibilities

  • Quantitative Research management
    • Questionnaire drafting and development
    • Developing sampling and weighting plans
    • Supporting data gathering/fieldwork, including vendor management
    • Creating banners, tables, charts/data visualizations, and slides
    • Preparing PowerPoint reports and memos of key insights
  • Qualitative Research Management
    • Managing focus group scheduling and recruitment
    • Contributing to screeners and discussion guides, and preparing hand-outs and materials
    • Coordinating transcripts and recordings, selecting representative quotes, identifying key themes
  • Syndicated, public and social data exploration
    • Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis
    • Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring
    • Integrating social media, earned media and opinion data and other information into a comprehensive insights framework
    • Social insights gathering and reporting for a portfolio of client engagements, business development and firm marketing
    • Building proficiency in Purple's digital research and monitoring tools, including Quid, Cision, Quorum and Critical Mention
  • Working as part of Purple's integrated client teams to deliver insights that help achieve key client goals
  • Other special projects, including supporting work on the Purple Pulse Survey

Qualifications and Experience You Need To Be Successful In This Role

  • Bachelor's degree with recommended 1+ years of experience or exposure to political, market research, and/or consumer research. Experience with corporate reputation or crisis work is a plus.
  • Comfort using AI tools to work more efficiently and automate routine tasks, paired with the judgment to critically evaluate AI-generated output and distinguish high-quality, well-sourced work from generic or unreliable "slop."
  • Strong organizational, writing, communication and time management skills.ย 
  • Ability to follow direction and incorporate feedback; exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize own work effectively and adapt to changing situations and a fast-paced environment.
  • A passion for exploring and analyzing data, and uncovering hidden insights or trends.ย 
  • Proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel and Word; statistical software such as R, SPSS or Marketsight a plus. Familiarity with digital and media intelligence platforms such as Quid, Cision, Quorum or Critical Mention is also a plus.
  • Embodiment of Purple's values: Adaptable, Collaborative, Curious, Innovative, Industrious, Respectful.ย 

Work Locationย ย 

This is a full-time position based in our Alexandria, VA office.ย  Purple Strategies offers a hybrid model and seeks employees who can work three days a week in-person. Purple values the camaraderie, connection, inclusion and professional development that in-person interactions provide, yet still recognizes the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees' lives.

How To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter online at www.purplestrategies/joinourteam.comย ย ย 

Purple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.ย ย