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Research Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants or new lab personnel in laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and experimental procedures. Provide guidance and support to ensure successful ...

... assist with laboratory-wide EH&S compliance (5%) Assist with managing undergraduate research assistants. (5%) Present scientific data, attend meetings and team building events. Required ...

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Research Assistant information

See Renton, WA salary details

$9

$24

$35

How much do research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant in Renton, WA is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectResearch AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in a related field; some roles require a master'sAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, or corporate R&D settingsLaboratories, hospitals, or industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a Research Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Research Assistants typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on supporting research projects, data analysis, and academic studies. Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree or certification and perform routine lab tests and maintenance. Both roles work in laboratory environments but serve different functions within research and clinical settings.

What are some common challenges Research Assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how can they effectively manage their workload?

Research Assistants often juggle several projects simultaneously, which can lead to competing deadlines and shifting priorities. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with supervising researchers, use organizational tools such as project management software or detailed timelines, and regularly review progress with the team. Setting realistic expectations and proactively seeking clarification on priorities can also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Developing these time management and collaboration skills is crucial for success in a dynamic research environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Research assistants typically do not earn $4,000 a week without advanced education or specialized skills. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve sales, real estate, or entrepreneurial ventures where income depends on performance and commissions. Most jobs paying this amount consistently require experience, certifications, or specific expertise.

How much is a research assistant paid?

Research assistants typically earn between $12 and $25 per hour, depending on their experience, education level, and the industry or institution. In some cases, they may receive a stipend or salary if employed full-time or on a research grant. Compensation can also vary based on geographic location and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

What Does a Research Assistant Do?

Research assistants gather and document information for their employer. As a research assistant, your responsibilities vary depending on the setting and field in which you work. Most research assistants work in academia, either in the science or humanities departments at a university, or for research institutes. Duties may include collecting data from the library and other sources, conducting surveys, and recruiting volunteers. In a laboratory setting, you may prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment, assist with experiments, and log readings and results.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with research tools or software are also important qualifications.

Do research assistants get paid a lot?

Research assistants typically earn hourly wages or stipends that vary depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. In general, research assistant salaries are modest compared to other professional roles, often ranging from minimum wage to mid-level pay, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced skills or working in specialized fields. Compensation may also include benefits such as academic credit or work experience rather than high pay.

How hard is it to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research assistant position typically requires relevant academic background, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, and strong organizational or analytical skills. Competition can be high, especially for positions in prestigious institutions or specialized fields, and some roles may require prior research experience or familiarity with specific tools like statistical software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often with a bachelor's or master's degree in the field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Effective communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities help Research Assistants collaborate and manage complex tasks efficiently. These skills are crucial for producing accurate, reliable research results and supporting the project's overall success.

What do you do as a research assistant?

A research assistant supports research projects by collecting, analyzing, and organizing data, often using tools like spreadsheets or statistical software. They may also review literature, prepare reports, and assist with experiments or fieldwork under the supervision of a lead researcher.

What are research assistants?

Research assistants are individuals who support research projects by helping with data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and administrative tasks. They often work under the supervision of a lead researcher or professor in academic, scientific, or industry settings. Research assistants may also contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and publications. Their role is essential in ensuring that research projects are conducted efficiently and accurately.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Research jobs in Renton, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Research Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Research Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Research Assistant jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,260 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Supervisory Research Economist

Supervisory Research Economist

US Department of Commerce

Seattle, WA • On-site

$119K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 692 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), Resource Ecology and Fisheries Management (REFM) Division, with 1 vacancy in Seattle WA or Juneau, AK.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:
To qualify for the 0110 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Conducting research on natural resource economics;
  • Analyzing and resolving problems utilizing data applications or systems; and
  • Providing recommendations on economic techniques, methods, or procedures to solve technical problems.
Education:

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.
College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER

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