Researcher Salaries
How much does a Researcher make in Irvine, CA?
Total pay range
US$99K - US$180K/yr
US$132K/yrMedian total pay
Pay breakdown
US$73K - US$131K/yrBase pay
US$26K - US$48K/yrAdditional pay
About our data
Confident
The “Most Likely Range” reflects values within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role. Glassdoor salaries are powered by our proprietary machine learning model, which utilises salaries collected from our users and the latest government data to make pay predictions.
How accurate is an average base pay range of US$73K-US$131K/yr?
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Popular companies for Researchers in Irvine, CA
40 companies
40 Popular companies with Researcher
Viewing 1 - 5 of 40 results
See what insiders are saying about pay
Top paying industries
The top 2 paying industries for a Researcher in Irvine, CA are Human resources and staffing with a median total pay of US$104,892 and Education with a median total pay of US$79,263.
The top paying company in Human resources and staffing for Researcher is Accurate Background.
The top paying company in Education for Researcher is UC Irvine.
Human resources and staffing
US$104,892
Human resources and staffing
The top paying company in Human resources and staffing for Researcher is Accurate Background.
Education
US$79,263
Human resources and staffing
The top paying company in Human resources and staffing for Researcher is Accurate Background.
Recent salaries shared by Researcher
50 salaries
Job title | Years of Experience
Total Pay
Location
Date submitted
Job title | Years of Experience
Location
Date submitted
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Researcher
1-3 Years
€32K/yr
€32K • €0
Galway
submitted on 2 Jun 2026
€32K/yr
€32K • €0
Researcher
4-6 Years
€20K - €24K/yr
Dublin, Dublin
submitted on 2 Jun 2026
€20K - €24K/yr
Researcher
7-9 Years
€66K/yr
€64K • €2K
Dublin, Dublin
submitted on 14 Apr 2026
€66K/yr
€64K • €2K
Researcher
4-6 Years
€23K - €27K/yr
Cork
submitted on 9 Apr 2026
€23K - €27K/yr
Researcher
1-3 Years
€32K - €38K/yr
Dublin, Dublin
submitted on 29 Mar 2026
€32K - €38K/yr
Anonymously share your salary to help the community.
Researcher
1-3 Years
€98K/yr
€98K • €0
Dublin, Dublin
submitted on 26 Feb 2026
€98K/yr
€98K • €0
Researcher
10-14 Years
€59K/yr
€54K • €5K
Tuam
submitted on 7 Feb 2026
€59K/yr
€54K • €5K
Researcher
7-9 Years
€55K/yr
€55K • €0
Dublin, Dublin
submitted on 5 Feb 2026
€55K/yr
€55K • €0
Researcher
1-3 Years
€53K/yr
€53K • €0
Dublin, Dublin
submitted on 31 Jan 2026
€53K/yr
€53K • €0
Researcher
4-6 Years
€46K/yr
€46K • €0
Dublin, Dublin
submitted on 27 Jan 2026
€46K/yr
€46K • €0
Viewing 1 - 10 of 50
Frequently asked questions about Researcher salaries
How much does a Researcher in Irvine, CA make?
The average salary for a Researcher is US$131,600 per year or US$63 per hour in Irvine, CA, which is 229% higher than the national average. Top earners have reported making up to US$235,976 (90th percentile). However, the typical pay range in Irvine, CA is between US$98,700 (25th percentile) and US$179,847 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 66 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Researcher employees in Irvine, CA as of June 2026.
What is the highest salary for a Researcher in Irvine, CA?
The highest salary for a Researcher in Irvine, CA is US$179,847 per year, US$14,987 per month or US$86 per hour.
What is the lowest salary for a Researcher in Irvine, CA?
The lowest salary for a Researcher in Irvine, CA is US$98,700 per year, US$8,225 per month or US$47 per hour.
What is the Salary Trend for Researchers?
The pay for researchers varies by field of expertise. Researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) or business-related fields typically command higher pay than researchers in humanities-related fields. This group can earn salaries into the six-figure range. The pay gap reflects differences in demand, as fewer private sector firms compete to hire humanities researchers.
Powered by Glassdoor Economic Research
Do Researchers Make Good Money in Irvine, CA?
Approximately 60% of researchers are happy with their salary, according to Glassdoor's statistics. Advanced education, industry-specific training and certifications, published works, and the potential of an extra $34,570.15 each year may qualify a researcher's salary as good.
How Much Does a Researcher Make Over Time in Irvine, CA?
As you gain experience through your career as a researcher, it's likely that your total pay will increase. The average yearly salary for a researcher is $97,030.25, although actual earnings depend greatly on specific areas of expertise. A researcher's salary can vary from $76,328.23 to $235,976.16, with those in senior or leadership positions typically earning an amount toward the higher end of the scale.
How to Make More Money as a Researcher
Do you want to earn more while working as a researcher? Here are several tips to help you make a higher salary. Work toward a higher academic degree in your chosen research field, attend industry-related conferences, and complete professional training. You should also develop your essential skills, such as data analysis, communication, and leadership. IT proficiency is highly desirable, and you should be confident at reporting your findings both orally and in written reports. Taking on extra responsibilities such as management of a team or laboratory, mentoring new researchers, and involvement in webinars may also help increase your salary.
How to Negotiate a Higher Salary as a Researcher
If you're starting a new job as a researcher, draw attention to previous research projects and internships during your salary negotiations. Research the company's revenue and tailor your negotiation strategy accordingly. Let the recruiter open with the initial offer then counter and ask for more than you wish to receive, with the aim of agreeing to a salary somewhere between the two figures. When seeking a raise in your current salary as a researcher, highlight impactful research projects that you've worked on, contributions to publications, and participation in professional conferences. Additionally, provide examples of when you've taken a leadership or training role within your team or organization.
Does a Researcher make good money in Irvine, CA?
About 60.00% of Researcher professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional €34,570 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Researcher in Irvine, CA as a good salary.
How much does a Researcher make over time in Irvine, CA?
Researcher professionals in Irvine, CA have a wide total pay range, between €76,328 and €235,976 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of €131,600 following the average career path of a Researcher.



