A research associate needs several qualifications for the job. You should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field in which you want to enter. For example, if you are interested in doing clinical research for a pharmaceutical company, you should study biology, chemistry, and closely related subjects. Those interested in the social sciences or finance should study sociology, political science, and economics. Some positions are entry-level, while others might require some years of experience or allow you to substitute advanced education for experience.

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

Top Types Of Research Associate Jobs

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

Biotech Quantitative Research
Salary range: $91,500 - $103,000
Biotech Quantitative Research is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Biotech Quantitative Research jobs pay between $91,500 (25th percentile) and $103,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Biotech Quantitative Research job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist
Salary range: $98,500 - $125,500
Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist jobs pay between $98,500 (25th percentile) and $125,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Agriculture Research Associate
Salary range: $54,500 - $77,000
Agriculture Research Associate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Agriculture Research Associate jobs pay between $54,500 (25th percentile) and $77,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Agriculture Research Associate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Evaluation Research
Salary range: $104,000 - $104,000
Evaluation Research is a common job search query. Most salaries for Evaluation Research jobs pay between $104,000 (25th percentile) and $104,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Evaluation Research job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Microbiome Research Associate
Salary range: $54,500 - $77,000
Microbiome Research Associate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Microbiome Research Associate jobs pay between $54,500 (25th percentile) and $77,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Microbiome Research Associate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Research Methodology
Salary range: $55,000 - $112,000
Research Methodology is a typical job search query Most salaries for Research Methodology jobs pay between $55,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Research Methodology job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Post Masters Research Associate
Salary range: $54,500 - $77,000
Post Masters Research Associate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Post Masters Research Associate jobs pay between $54,500 (25th percentile) and $77,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Post Masters Research Associate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
In Vivo Research Associate
Salary range: $54,500 - $77,000
In Vivo Research Associate is a typical job search query Most salaries for In Vivo Research Associate jobs pay between $54,500 (25th percentile) and $77,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for In Vivo Research Associate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Insurance Research
Salary range: $36,000 - $49,500
Insurance Research is a typical job search query Most salaries for Insurance Research jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $49,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Insurance Research job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Animal Welfare Research
Salary range: $44,000 - $70,000
Animal Welfare Research is a typical job search query Most salaries for Animal Welfare Research jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Animal Welfare Research 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 Associate Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Research Associate Jobs in 2026