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Paid Research Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Paid time off Benefits/Perks * Careers Advancement Opportunities * Flexible Scheduling ... You will communicate with clients, compile case materials, and conduct research. The ideal ...

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Paid Research Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$22

$33

How much do paid research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for paid research assistant in Riverside, CA is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Paid Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectPaid Research AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree or current student statusOften requires a master's degree or higher in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, academic, or field research settingsResearch labs, universities, or industry research teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, government agenciesAcademic institutions, private companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles and responsibilitiesExploring advanced research roles and career progression

Paid Research Assistants typically support research projects at an entry level, often requiring a bachelor's degree or current student status. Research Associates usually hold higher qualifications like a master's degree and are involved in more independent research tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Research Associates generally have more experience and responsibilities.

How much does a paid research assistant get paid?

Paid research assistants typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, depending on their experience, education level, and the complexity of the research tasks. Some positions may offer stipends or fixed project-based payments, especially in academic or nonprofit settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paid research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paid Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in the relevant academic field, often supported by a bachelor's degree or equivalent coursework. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), literature databases, and sometimes IRB protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and manage multiple research tasks. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, reliable research outcomes, and efficient support for lead researchers.

Do paid research assistants get paid a lot?

Paid research assistants typically earn hourly wages that vary depending on the field, experience, and location, with many positions paying between minimum wage and $20 per hour. Higher salaries are often associated with advanced skills, specialized knowledge, or roles in competitive research environments. Overall, pay for research assistants is generally moderate and not considered high compared to other professional roles.

What does a paid research assistant do?

As a Paid Research Assistant, your daily tasks often include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing research materials, and assisting with experiments or surveys. You may also help with administrative duties such as scheduling, organizing files, and maintaining research databases. Collaboration is key in this role, as you'll regularly communicate with principal investigators, graduate students, and other team members to ensure research objectives are met efficiently. This position provides hands-on experience in research methodologies and offers valuable opportunities to develop skills that are beneficial for future academic or professional pursuits.

What is a paid research assistant?

Paid Research Assistants are individuals, often students or early-career professionals, who are hired by universities, research institutions, or private organizations to support academic or scientific research projects. Their duties may include collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments, performing literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of reports and publications. Paid Research Assistants typically work under the supervision of a lead researcher or principal investigator and receive hourly wages or a stipend for their work. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in research methodologies and can be a stepping stone to advanced study or careers in research and academia.

How to become a paid research assistant?

To become a paid research assistant, typically you need a relevant educational background such as a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, along with strong research skills and familiarity with data analysis tools. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or assisting with academic projects can improve your chances, and some positions may require specific certifications or knowledge of research methodologies. Applying to research institutions, universities, or organizations that offer research assistant roles is the next step, often involving submitting a resume and cover letter highlighting your skills and experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Paid Research jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Paid Research jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Paid Research Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Paid Research Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paid Research Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Paid Research Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Paid Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Paid Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Paid Research Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,543 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

$20 - $23/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Orange County Transportation Authority rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

Intern - Public Outreach

Join OCTA's Public Outreach team as a College Intern and gain hands-on experience supporting the development, building and expanding of OCTA's diverse community program. In this role, you will assist with research, communications planning, content development, and public outreach efforts designed to inform and connect communities with OCTA's services and projects.

Under direct supervision, you will perform a variety of professional entry-level duties related to your major field of study and the sponsoring department's current business operations. As a College Intern, you will be exposed to OCTA's career opportunities in the transportation industry. You will gain deeper awareness of transportation's many facets through your OCTA orientation, projects and teams, and internal networking.

OCTA's College Intern Program is a year-round paid student/intern program. You will gain real world work experience on meaningful projects under the guidance of a transportation professional. You will have the opportunity to use problem solving, communication and decision-making skills as you gain valuable work experience. You will also work with a mentor and benefit from career counseling.

The pay range is from $20.00 - $23.00 per hour depending on your education level. This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.

This posting will remain open until filled.

What You'll Do

  • Understand the diverse community outreach program and support program development and growth
  • Conduct informal and formal data research.
  • Assist in planning and implementing outreach efforts
  • Utilize strong writing and presentation skills to effectively engage with hard-to-reach and underserved audiences
  • Apply effective organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

What We're Looking For

  • Currently enrolled full-time college student (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) at an accredited two- or four-year college or university
  • Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Sociology, or a related field.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Bilingual preferred
  • Strong writing skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Ability to create engaging visuals and presentations tailored to diverse audiences
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
  • Comfortable presenting and interfacing with diverse and underserved communities
  • Professional demeanor with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset

Why You'll Love It Here

  • Contribute to meaningful outreach efforts that support equity and community connection
  • Work alongside experienced transportation professionals
  • Build real-world writing, presentation, and project coordination skills
  • Expand your professional network through mentorship and cross-department collaboration
  • Help improve mobility and access to transportation services for communities across Orange County

Join a team where innovation, integrity, and strategic thinking are valued.

Apply now to gain meaningful experience and help shape the future of transportation funding and capital programming at OCTA.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other legally protected status.


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