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EconMist · 06-23-2006, 04:36 PM

Hi guys,

I know that this may not be the most relevant question to post in here, but I couldn't help but ask. I was called for a "Research Assistant" job in the east coast at an economic consulting firm and one of the questions they asked me over the phone was what my "salary expectation" was. I didn't answer the question and I delayed it for the "in person interview". Do you guys have an idea what kind of salary entry level research assistants earn? I have no idea about the job market in the east coast, but I am willing to relocate. This would really help.

shootermcgavin7 · 06-23-2006, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EconMist

Hi guys,

I know that this may not be the most relevant question to post in here, but I couldn't help but ask. I was called for a "Research Assistant" job in the east coast at an economic consulting firm and one of the questions they asked me over the phone was what my "salary expectation" was. I didn't answer the question and I delayed it for the "in person interview". Do you guys have an idea what kind of salary entry level research assistants earn? I have no idea about the job market in the east coast, but I am willing to relocate. This would really help.

You did the right thing up front, basically say "negotiable".

Between now and a personal interview, I'd research similar positions at similar firms (Monster is a good place to start) so that you have a salary range in mind when you show up.

Econ2006 · 06-24-2006, 12:37 AM

I think the starting RA salary for think-tanks is anywhere from $35k to $45k or so. My guess would be that RA's at economic consulting firms make near the high end of this range, or a bit higher.

stephanie_wise80 · 07-02-2006, 11:30 PM

not more than 30K but also depends on your discipline..highest-->computers at 45

asquare · 07-02-2006, 11:44 PM

It depends on whether you are working at a non profit or a for profit. When I took an RA job (economics) at a non profit 5 years ago, straight out of undergrad, I started at $32K per year. A friend who took a similar job at a firm was earning more like $45K to start, and went up quickly.

InstrumentalVariable · 07-05-2006, 06:53 PM

It depends on the firm and industry. If you mean economic litigation consulting (e.g. Analysis Group, CRA, Cornerstone, NERA, etc) expect a starting salary between $45k and $55k. (Note: Those are west coast salaries... NYC might be a bit higher). It's best to say negotiable, because in my experience, if you are right out of college, they offer you a standard package and there is little or no room for negotiation. Expectations above their standard starting salary are off-putting to the potential firm.

06-23-2006, 04:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
EconMist Within my grasp! Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 217	Research Assistant salaries Hi guys, I know that this may not be the most relevant question to post in here, but I couldn't help but ask. I was called for a "Research Assistant" job in the east coast at an economic consulting firm and one of the questions they asked me over the phone was what my "salary expectation" was. I didn't answer the question and I delayed it for the "in person interview". Do you guys have an idea what kind of salary entry level research assistants earn? I have no idea about the job market in the east coast, but I am willing to relocate. This would really help.

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06-24-2006, 12:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
Econ2006 Within my grasp! Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 208	I think the starting RA salary for think-tanks is anywhere from $35k to $45k or so. My guess would be that RA's at economic consulting firms make near the high end of this range, or a bit higher.

07-02-2006, 11:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
stephanie_wise80 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 8	not more than 30K but also depends on your discipline..highest-->computers at 45

07-02-2006, 11:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
asquare TestMagic Guru Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ann Arbor Posts: 1,315	It depends on whether you are working at a non profit or a for profit. When I took an RA job (economics) at a non profit 5 years ago, straight out of undergrad, I started at $32K per year. A friend who took a similar job at a firm was earning more like $45K to start, and went up quickly.

07-05-2006, 06:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
InstrumentalVariable Eager! Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 36	It depends on the firm and industry. If you mean economic litigation consulting (e.g. Analysis Group, CRA, Cornerstone, NERA, etc) expect a starting salary between $45k and $55k. (Note: Those are west coast salaries... NYC might be a bit higher). It's best to say negotiable, because in my experience, if you are right out of college, they offer you a standard package and there is little or no room for negotiation. Expectations above their standard starting salary are off-putting to the potential firm.

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