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Institutional Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Institutional Research Compensation $50,000.00 to Negotiable Annual General Description / Primary Purpose: Under the direction of a director or higher, the Institutional Research Analyst ...

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Institutional Research information

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$51K

$83.7K

$133.5K

How much do institutional research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for institutional research in the United States is $83,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Institutional Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectInstitutional ResearchData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Statistics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, research officesVarious industries, corporate, healthcare, tech
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in higher education and research institutionsAcross multiple sectors including business, healthcare, and government

Institutional Research focuses on analyzing data to support higher education decision-making, accreditation, and strategic planning. Data Analysts work across industries to interpret data, generate reports, and inform business or organizational decisions. While both roles require strong analytical skills and similar educational backgrounds, Institutional Research is more specialized within educational settings, whereas Data Analysts have broader industry applications.

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

To thrive in Institutional Research, you need strong analytical skills, expertise in data collection and statistical analysis, and typically a degree in fields like statistics, social sciences, or education. Familiarity with data analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Tableau, as well as experience with database management systems, is commonly required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear communication are vital soft skills for interpreting data and conveying findings to diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate, actionable insights that support strategic planning and informed decision-making within educational institutions.

What is institutional research?

Institutional research refers to the collection, analysis, and reporting of data within colleges, universities, or other educational institutions to support decision-making, planning, and policy development. Professionals in this field provide insights on student enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and other key metrics to help administrators improve programs and achieve institutional goals. Institutional research helps ensure that data-driven decisions are made to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of the institution.

What Is Institutional Research?

Institutional research focuses on studying, planning, and implementing plans in a college, university, or other similar educational institution. Institutional research focuses on different academic, social, and student life issues. In addition to subjects such as enrollment and admissions, student services, financial aid, and university staffing, institutional research covers areas like athletics and alumni relations. The collected data and reports of findings are reported to the U.S. Department of Education and college governing bodies in addition to informing decisions and policy within a given university.

How does an Institutional Research professional typically collaborate with other departments within a college or university?

Institutional Research professionals regularly work with academic departments, enrollment management, and administrative offices to gather and analyze data that supports decision-making and strategic planning. They often facilitate data requests, provide insights for accreditation reports, and participate in committees focused on institutional effectiveness. This collaboration requires strong communication skills, as IR professionals translate complex data into actionable recommendations that help various stakeholders achieve their goals.
What cities are hiring for Institutional Research jobs? Cities with the most Institutional Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Institutional Research jobs? The most popular types of Institutional Research jobs are:
What states have the most Institutional Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Institutional Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Institutional Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,712 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Institutional Research Analyst

Institutional Research Analyst

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Stony Brook University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Three (3) years of full time experience in data analysis, institutional research, or a similar analytical role. Experience with data visualization and statistical/analytic tools, along with demonstrated ability to analyze complex information and communicate findings effectively.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Experience working with higher education data systems. Experience with federal and state reporting and institutional research best practices. Experience designing dashboards and data models for institutional use.
Brief Description of Duties:
The Institutional Research Analyst supports datainformed decisionmaking across Stony Brook University by maintaining highquality data resources, developing dashboards, conducting analyses and preparing internal and external reports. Incumbent must have strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fastpaced environment, and a solid understanding of data confidentiality, ethical standards, and responsible data stewardship. Incumbent must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex analyses for nontechnical audiences and collaborate effectively across campus.

  • Data Visualizations:
    • Maintain, update, and enhance institutional dashboards and data visualizations while ensuring all data sources are accurate, consistent, and well documented. Incumbent collaborates closely with system experts to uphold data integrity and contextual accuracy, monitors dashboard performance to troubleshoot issues and implement improvements, and develops new dashboards that align with institutional priorities.
  • Data Analysis:
    • Conduct analyses to support institutional and programmatic priorities using statistical software and programming languages to query, transform, and analyze data.
  • Training and Communication:
    • Develop and deliver training sessions to promote data literacy across the institution, and provide consultation to campus stakeholders on data interpretation, dashboard use, and analytic best practices. Make presentations at regional and national conferences.
  • Reporting:
    • Provide statistical reports and accurate data sets to external organizations and internal constituencies.
  • Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and department mission.

Special Notes:
This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.
SUNY implemented a hybrid telecommuting pilot program. This position has been approved to participate in the pilot, which allows for remote days each pay period but will also require on site presence weekly.
In addition to the employee's base salary, this position is eligible for $4,000 UUP annual location pay, paid biweekly.
Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.
Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.
In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act a copy of our crime statistics can be viewed here.
Visit our WHY WORK HERE page to learn about the total rewards we offer.
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