As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Senior Research Associate - Academic in the United States is $89,440. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $79,160 to $102,590, with most professionals earning between $69,801 and $114,562.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $102,590 | $8,549 | $1,973 | $49 |
| Average | $89,440 | $7,453 | $1,720 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,160 | $6,597 | $1,522 | $38 |
An entry-level Senior Research Associate - Academic with less than 1 year of experience earns about $84,837. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $85,604. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $87,139. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $89,440, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $94,347.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Senior Research Associate - Academic | $84,837 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Research Associate - Academic | $85,604 |
| Senior Level Senior Research Associate - Academic | $87,139 |
| Specialist Level Senior Research Associate - Academic | $89,440 |
| Expert Level Senior Research Associate - Academic | $94,347 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 0% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Senior Research Associate - Academic compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $95,272 in 2023 to approximately $95,452 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Senior Research Associate - Academic salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
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| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $89,440 | 71.0% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $6,842 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $3,756 | 3.0% | ||
| Disability | $1,789 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 6.6% | ||
| Pension | $4,830 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $11,008 | 8.7% | ||
| Total Compensation | $126,017 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 8.8% |
| Masters | 30.3% |
| Doctorate | 59.8% |
What Am I Worth?
A Senior Research Associate at Duke University can expect a salary ranging from $80,450 to $108,760, with a midpoint of $93,910. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to the previously reported average of $71,321, which is below the national average for similar positions.
Research associates typically hold advanced degrees beyond a Bachelor's, often a master's or a PhD. Their roles involve significant research responsibilities, and they can expect salaries ranging from $80,450 to $108,760, with a median salary of $93,910. Institutions like Harvard may require a PhD for certain positions.
The estimated total pay range for a Senior Research Associate at Cornell University is approximately $80,450 to $108,760 per year, which includes base salary and additional compensation. The mid-salary for this position is around $93,910.
The highest salary for a Senior Research Associate in academia is $108,760. The average salary is $93,910, while the minimum salary starts at $80,450. This reflects the competitive nature of the role and the expertise required in research positions.
The differences between postdoctoral research associates and senior research associates are notable. Each role has distinct responsibilities. Typically, it takes 2-4 years to become a postdoctoral research associate, while a senior research associate usually requires 1-2 years of experience. Salaries for senior research associates range from $80,450 to $108,760, with a midpoint of $93,910.
The estimated total pay range for a Senior Research Associate at MIT is approximately $80,450 to $108,760 annually. The average salary for this position is around $93,910 per year, reflecting the base salary and potential additional compensation.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
