Though some research assistant jobs require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, some research assistant positions only require an associate degree and provide on-the-job training. Undergraduate or graduate students often serve as research assistants to professors or other professionals in their field. Decide what field you would like to work in, then cultivate the skills you need to work as an assistant in that area. Qualifications will vary depending on the position, but all research assistants need to be able to work independently, understand basic computer programs, and have excellent communication skills. Approach professors in your field of interested to find research assistant opportunities.

If you are interested in a job related to Research Assistant, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Research Assistant Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Research Assistant positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Transportation Research Assistant
Salary range: $42,000 - $51,000
Transportation Research Assistant is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Transportation Research Assistant jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $51,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Transportation Research Assistant job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Public Health Research Assistant
Salary range: $51,000 - $86,500
Public Health Research Assistant is a common job search query. Most salaries for Public Health Research Assistant jobs pay between $51,000 (25th percentile) and $86,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Public Health Research Assistant job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Online Research Assistant
Salary range: $31,500 - $44,000
Online Research Assistant is a common job search query. Most salaries for Online Research Assistant jobs pay between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Online Research Assistant job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Criminology Research
Salary range: $54,000 - $92,000
Criminology Research is a typical job search query Most salaries for Criminology Research jobs pay between $54,000 (25th percentile) and $92,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Criminology Research job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Virtual Research Assistant Psychology
Salary range: $42,500 - $57,000
Virtual Research Assistant Psychology is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Virtual Research Assistant Psychology jobs pay between $42,500 (25th percentile) and $57,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Virtual Research Assistant Psychology job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Clinical Research Pharmacist
Salary range: $121,000 - $173,500
Clinical Research Pharmacist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Clinical Research Pharmacist jobs pay between $121,000 (25th percentile) and $173,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Clinical Research Pharmacist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Medical Device Clinical Research
Salary range: $81,000 - $122,500
Medical Device Clinical Research is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Medical Device Clinical Research jobs pay between $81,000 (25th percentile) and $122,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Medical Device Clinical Research job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Freelance Microbiology Research Assistant
Salary range: $50,500 - $128,500
Freelance Microbiology Research Assistant is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Microbiology Research Assistant jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $128,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Microbiology Research Assistant job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Nih Research Assistant
Salary range: $38,500 - $53,000
Nih Research Assistant is a typical job search query Most salaries for Nih Research Assistant jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Nih Research Assistant job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Entry Level Clinical Research Nurse
Salary range: $75,500 - $109,000
Entry Level Clinical Research Nurse is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Clinical Research Nurse jobs pay between $75,500 (25th percentile) and $109,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Clinical Research Nurse job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Research Assistant Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Research Assistant Jobs in 2026