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$17.5K

$82.2K

$154.5K

How much do research administration jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research administration in the United States is $82,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Research Administration, you need a strong background in grant management, compliance, budgeting, and knowledge of research regulations, often supported by a relevant degree such as in business, science, or public administration. Familiarity with electronic research administration (eRA) systems, federal grant databases, and certifications like CRA (Certified Research Administrator) are commonly required. Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals effectively coordinate between researchers, sponsors, and institutional offices. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring that research projects comply with regulations, are properly funded, and progress smoothly within institutional and sponsor guidelines.

What is research administration?

Research administration refers to the management and support of research projects within organizations such as universities, hospitals, and research institutes. Professionals in this field help researchers secure funding, ensure compliance with regulations, manage budgets, and oversee grant applications and reporting. Their work is essential for the smooth operation of research activities and helps facilitate scientific discovery and innovation. Research administrators often act as liaisons between researchers, funding agencies, and institutional leadership.

What is the difference between Research Administration vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch AdministrationResearch Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field; certifications like CRA or CCRP are commonUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some roles may prefer or require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, managing grants, budgets, compliance, and institutional policiesOn-site at research sites, coordinating daily activities of research studies
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, hospitalsResearch sites, hospitals, academic institutions

Research Administration focuses on managing grants, compliance, and institutional policies, often in an office setting. Research Coordinators handle the day-to-day operations of research studies, working directly with research participants and staff. Both roles are essential in the research process but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in research administration, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in research administration is managing complex compliance requirements across various funding agencies, which often necessitates meticulous attention to detail and up-to-date knowledge of regulations. Additionally, research administrators frequently juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Collaborating effectively with researchers, finance teams, and external sponsors is essential, as is continuous professional development to stay ahead of evolving guidelines. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues and participating in professional associations can also help new administrators navigate these challenges.
More about Research Administration jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Administration jobs? Cities with the most Research Administration job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Administration jobs? The most popular types of Research Administration jobs are:
What states have the most Research Administration jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Administration jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Administration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Administration jobs are:
Research Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Administration job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,164 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
College Research Administration Manager

College Research Administration Manager

Howard University

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Howard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 546 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
  • Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
  • Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
  • Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
BASIC FUNCTION:
Howard University seeks a dynamic and skilled College Research Administration Manager to oversee research administration activities within assigned colleges. This hybrid reporting role is pivotal to advancing the university's R1 research mission by ensuring compliance, enhancing research productivity, and maintaining efficient workflows. The manager will handle pre- and post-award responsibilities, working collaboratively with the Office of Research, college leadership, Principal Investigators (PIs), and other stakeholders.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Serve as the primary POC for all assigned departments within the college for pre-award and post-award support. This position has a primary reporting line to the Office of Research for strategic oversight, training, and compliance. A dotted-line reporting relationship with the Associate Dean for Research allows for alignment with the day-to-day priorities of the assigned college. The incumbent will serve as a bridge between central oversight and college-specific needs, ensuring the success of research activities across the institution. External contacts include representatives from the federal government, other colleges and universities, professional associations, consultants, vendors, and the general public.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Pre-Award Management
  • Guide PIs in preparing and submitting grant proposals, including budgets, narratives, and compliance documentation.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for grant submissions to central research offices and funding agencies.
  • Review and approve proposals for adherence to university, federal, and sponsor guidelines.

Post-Award Management
  • Oversee grant account setups, cost distributions, and personnel appointments on awarded projects.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and university policies regarding allowable costs, effort reporting, and project amendments.
  • Monitor project budgets and expenditures, providing timely financial reports and projections.

Compliance and Reporting
  • Facilitate the preparation and submission of internal and external reports, including progress, compliance, and financial reports.
  • Collaborate with university compliance offices to address regulatory requirements and audit findings.

Training and Development
  • Conduct training sessions for PIs, departmental staff, and other stakeholders on research administration policies and systems.
  • Participate in university-wide discussions on process improvement and best practices in research administration.

Collaboration and Oversight
  • Work with the Associate Dean for Research to align daily operations with college priorities.
  • Maintain active collaboration with the Office of Research to ensure consistent training, compliance, and professional development across colleges.
  • Act as a resource for faculty and staff in navigating research administration challenges

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Experience in effective multi-tasking in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high degree of accuracy and organization, strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a busy, high-volume, and deadline-driven work team environment that requires coordination of multiple activities and the judgment and flexibility to reprioritize to accommodate emergency request.
  • Must be able to speak confidently when communicating with investigators and internal and external research stakeholders, excellent customer service skills, and outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Incumbents must be able to write and interpret technical contract language, understand its implications, and effectively communicate with and serve as liaisons between granting agencies, University administration, and the principal investigators.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • BA, BBA, or BS (foreign equivalent or higher) in Business, Finance, Accounting, or other related fields and 5 years of professional experience in research administration.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
  • Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing sponsored research, including Uniform Guidance and FAR clauses.
  • Excellent communication skills, including conveying complex concepts to non-specialist audiences.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse, Workday).

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description cannot be construed as a contract for employment.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Expected Pay Range: $90,909 - $100,000

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