Research Solutions Specialist
Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences – Cambridge, MA
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How much does an Assistant Research Specialist make in Massachusetts? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Research Specialist in Massachusetts is $128,759 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, an Assistant Research Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Assistant Research Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $140,455 | $11,705 | $2,701 | $68 |
| Average | $128,759 | $10,730 | $2,476 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,980 | $9,998 | $2,307 | $58 |
An Assistant Research Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Research Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Research Analyst II | less than 1 year | $95,475 |
| Operations Research Analyst III | 1-2 years | $109,952 |
| Assistant Research Specialist | 2-4 years | $126,323 |
| Operations Research Analyst V | 5-8 years | $147,907 |
| Operations Research Analysis Supervisor | over 8 years | $183,023 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assistant Research Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Assistant Research Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Research Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Research Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $154,511 | $74.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $148,073 | $71.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $148,073 | $71.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $141,635 | $68.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $141,635 | $68.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Assistant Research Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $140,455 | $11,705 | $2,701 | $68 |
| Average | $128,759 | $10,730 | $2,476 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,980 | $9,998 | $2,307 | $58 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Research Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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