Titles and earnings vary widely, depending on field, level of education, and employer. In July 2024, Salary.com reported the average annual salary for biotechnology research assistants was $51,500; salaries typically ranged from $45,660 to $56,329. The Department of Labor reported annual earnings for biological technicians, a position similar to a biotechnology research assistant that ranged from $36,970 or less to $80,330 or more, with a median salary of $51,430. Agricultural technicians earned a median salary of $41,970, with the lowest 10 percent earning $28,650 and the highest 10 percent earning $66,620 or more. Chemical technician salaries range from $38,240 to $93,340 or more, with a median salary of $56,750. Generally, large companies pay their research assistants more than smaller businesses and nonprofit organizations do. Research assistants with advanced degrees make more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Research assistants who work for large biotech or pharmaceutical companies or engineering laboratories and have advanced science degrees make among the highest wages in the field.
Each college and university has its own salary budget for graduate student research assistants. There are often set minimum salaries for academic year employment and for full 12-month employment. Most student research assistants work part time and receive a percentage of these minimums based on the number of hours they work (usually 50 percent, 25 percent, or 33 percent). In June 2024, Zippia reported that graduate research assistants earned an average of $16.46 per hour in the United States. Graduate research assistants at Stanford University earned an average of $25.21 per hour in July 2024, according to Indeed.com.
Self-employed research assistants get paid by the hour or by assignment. Pay rates vary depending on the experience of the research assistant, the complexity of the assignment, and the location of the job.
Benefits such as health insurance, vacation, and sick leave vary by field and employer. Universities generally provide health care coverage, paid vacations, sick time, and a pension plan for full-time employees. Research assistants employed full time by a private company are also eligible for similar benefits; some companies may provide benefits to part-time or contract workers. Freelancers must provide their own benefits.
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