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Economics Research Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill

Research Assistant

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$20/hr

... Research Assistant Position Number 20078106 Vacancy ID S027965 Full-time/Part-time Part-Time ... or economic resources - have access to high-quality health care services. Position Summary The ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Research Associate

Chapel Hill, NC · Hybrid

The Institute for Private Capital (IPC), part of UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School, seeks a Research Associate to assist with data and research tasks in the field of financial economics ...

NCSU

Research Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... economic and environmental sustainability for horticulture across the state, the nation and the ... Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. * Assist in the ...

NCSU

Research Technician - Journey

Raleigh, NC

$17.50 - $24/hr

... optimal yields and economic return while safeguarding soil health and soil organic matter ... In this role, you will contribute to the scientific perspective of our efforts, assist with data ...

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Economics Research Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10.7K

$101K

$224.1K

How much do economics research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for economics research assistant in Raleigh, NC is $101,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $106,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an economics research assistant do?

An Economics Research Assistant supports economists and researchers by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting economic data. Their tasks often include conducting literature reviews, preparing reports, managing databases, and assisting with statistical and econometric analysis. They may use software such as Excel, Stata, or R to analyze data. Research assistants play a crucial role in academic, government, and private sector research projects, helping to ensure the accuracy and quality of economic studies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an economics research assistant?

To thrive as an Economics Research Assistant, you need a solid background in economics, quantitative analysis, and statistical methods, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in economics or a related field. Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Stata, R, or Python, as well as experience with databases and academic research software, is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing rigorous research, supporting senior economists, and contributing meaningful insights to academic or policy-related projects.

What is the difference between Economics Research Assistant vs Data Analyst?

AspectEconomics Research AssistantData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Economics, Statistics, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, government agenciesCorporate, finance, healthcare, or tech industries
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research centers, governmentBusinesses, consulting firms, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research roles in economicsCompared for data-driven decision-making roles

The main difference is that Economics Research Assistants focus on economic research, data collection, and analysis within academic or government settings, while Data Analysts work across various industries analyzing data to inform business decisions. Both roles require strong analytical skills and similar educational backgrounds, but their work environments and primary objectives differ.

Do I need a PhD to be an economics research assistant?

Typically, a bachelor's degree in economics, finance, or a related field is sufficient for an economics research assistant position. While a master's degree or higher can be advantageous, most roles focus on strong analytical skills, familiarity with data analysis tools, and research experience rather than a PhD.

Do economics research assistants get paid a lot?

Economics research assistants typically earn moderate salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions often pay hourly wages or stipends, while those with advanced skills or working in prestigious institutions may earn higher compensation. Overall, their pay is generally lower than senior economists or analysts but can increase with experience and specialization.

How to become a research assistant in economics?

To become an economics research assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in economics, finance, or a related field. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software like Stata or R, and familiarity with economic research methods are important. Gaining experience through internships or coursework can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Economics Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Economics Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economics Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Economics Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Economics Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Economics Research Assistant job openings:

Economics Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economics Research Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,048 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor (Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 619 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Department Kenan Institute of Private Ent - 331600 Posting Open Date 08/17/2026 Application Deadline 08/31/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Faculty Working Title Research Assistant Professor (Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise) Appointment Type Fixed Term Faculty Vacancy ID FAC0006056 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Permanent Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 11/02/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research, and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts, and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation, and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development, and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant, and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers, and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life, and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Established in 1985 by Frank Hawkins Kenan, the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is a nonpartisan business policy think tank affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The nonprofit institute and its affiliated centers convene leaders from the private sector, academic community and government to build a greater understanding of how entrepreneurship, economic development and global commerce can work for the public good. The institute leverages best-in-class research to develop market-based solutions to today's most complex economic challenges. In doing so, the institute aims to support businesses and policies that better the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world.
Position Summary
The Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise (the Institute) seeks a Research Assistant Professor with expertise in applied economics, economic forecasting, regional economics, labor economics, public policy, or a related field to contribute to the North Carolina Advanced Economic Forecasting Initiative. The faculty member will conduct and disseminate research that advances understanding of North Carolina's county, regional, and state economies, with particular emphasis on economic forecasting, labor markets, workforce development, housing affordability, industry trends, population change, productivity, and other issues relevant to economic development and public policy. The successful candidate will develop and communicate economic forecasts and analytical products, produce scholarly and public-facing research, and translate complex economic data into actionable insights for policymakers, business leaders, community stakeholders, and the public. The faculty member will collaborate with Institute colleagues, faculty affiliates, research staff, students, and external partners to support evidence-based decision making and advance the Institute's mission of connecting research to practice.
The Research Assistant Professor will serve as a research economist for the North Carolina Advanced Economic Forecasting Initiative at the Institute, supporting the development, production, interpretation, and communication of county-level economic forecasts and related data products for all 100 North Carolina counties. The position carries economist-level responsibility for assigned forecasting workstreams, economic indicator development, forecast production support, applied economic interpretation, written research products, and stakeholder-facing analysis.
The Research Assistant Professor will work under the direction of the Senior Research Economist and in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Director of Research Data Strategy and Analytics, data analysts, communications staff, faculty affiliates, and other Institute teams. The position will support the implementation of forecasting methods, evaluation of model performance, documentation of assumptions, preparation of forecast releases, and identification of emerging economic issues that require additional county-level analysis.
The role will focus on applied economic research related to North Carolina's county, regional and state economies, including topics such as GDP, employment, labor markets, workforce skills demand, housing affordability, industry trends, population change, productivity, business formation, and other indicators relevant to economic development and public policy. The Research Assistant Professor will exercise independent judgment in analyzing economic trends, explaining forecast movements, identifying data anomalies, and preparing written and presentation materials for both technical and nontechnical audiences.
The successful candidate will bring strong quantitative, econometric, programming, writing and communication skills; experience working with economic and regional datasets; and the ability to help move the North Carolina Advanced Economic Forecasting Initiative from model development into a reliable recurring production, reporting, and stakeholder-support function.
This position is contingent upon the continued availability of funding.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
The position requires a Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Economics, Financial Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
It is preferred that the successful candidate will possess:
- Experience developing, maintaining or improving forecasting models, nowcasts, economic indicators, dashboards or recurring data products.
- Experience with county-level, regional, state or local economic data.
- Experience with data sources such as BEA, BLS, Census, ACS, QCEW, LAUS, Haver, Lightcast, Zillow, Freddie Mac, state administrative data or similar sources.
- Experience analyzing GDP, employment, wages, productivity, industry trends, housing affordability, workforce skills, capital formation, business formation or other economic indicators.
- Experience producing written economic commentary, research briefs, dashboard narratives, policy memos, technical documentation, presentations or public-facing research products.
- Experience coordinating research pipelines, managing model update cycles, documenting procedures or training analysts on technical workflows.
- Familiarity with North Carolina's economy, regional differences, rural and urban economic development issues, workforce trends, housing markets or local government decision-making.
- Experience working in a university, think tank, government, policy, economic development, consulting, financial or applied research environment.
- Ability to balance technical rigor with practical usability for policymakers, economic developers, business leaders and community stakeholders.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions
Applicants may view the job posting and follow the application process to be considered at: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323916.
Applicants should submit a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, and Writing/Research Sample. At the time of hire, the selected applicant should be prepared to arrange submission of two (2) signed letters of recommendation, on institutional letterhead, from individuals not affiliated with the Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323916
Department Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Rebecca Mormino, Associate Director of Research Engagement Department Contact Telephone or Email Rebecca_Mormino@kenan-flagler.unc.edu Academic Personnel Office Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.
Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 
If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

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