Research analyst job description templates by type and seniority, with the FLSA exemption, NDA, and IP guidance generic templates skip. Download as DOCX.
6 templates by type and seniority: standard, junior, senior, market research, financial, and a small-business version, with the FLSA exemption, NDA, and IP-assignment guidance the generic templates skip. Download as DOCX.
Research analyst is one of the broadest titles in hiring, and that breadth is the first thing a good posting has to solve. The role spans market research, financial and investment research, operations research, policy analysis, and general business research, and each draws a different candidate. A vague posting collects mismatched resumes from across the analyst world; a precise one, naming the type and the field, attracts the people who can actually do the work.
These six templates handle the role across its types and seniority levels: a standard research analyst, junior and senior versions, specialized market research and financial research analysts, and a small-business version. Each is ready to use, with the FLSA exemption, NDA, and IP-assignment guidance the generic templates skip. For the fundamentals behind any posting, the guide to writing a job description covers the basics, and you can pair this with FirstHR for the offer and onboarding once you hire.
TL;DR
Research analyst is an umbrella title spanning market, financial, operations, and policy research, so a good posting names the type. The role is usually exempt under the learned professional or administrative exemption, though entry-level support roles may be non-exempt. Analysts handle proprietary data, so an NDA and IP-assignment belong in onboarding. Medians range from about $76,950 for market research to $101,350 for financial analysts. Download six templates as DOCX, by type and seniority.
What a Research Analyst Does (and the Types)
A research analyst gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to produce insights that inform decisions. They define research questions, design methodology, collect and clean data, run analysis and build models, and present findings. The work blends quantitative and qualitative methods, and the common thread across every type is turning data into decisions a business or organization can act on.
The title is an umbrella, and naming the type is what makes a posting effective. A market research analyst (SOC 19-3021) studies customers and competitors; a financial and investment analyst (SOC 13-2051) builds models and evaluates investments; operations and policy analysts focus on processes and programs. Because incumbents often publish one generic template, a posting that names the specific type is already more relevant.
Research Analyst Duties and Responsibilities
Research analyst duties cluster into four areas: research and methodology, data and analysis, reporting and insight, and data integrity and security. A strong job description picks the specific responsibilities from each area that match the type of research and your organization, rather than listing every possible task.
Research and methodology
Define research questions and design
Choose qualitative or quantitative methods
Run surveys, interviews, and studies
Data and analysis
Collect, clean, and validate data
Analyze and build models
Identify trends and patterns
Reporting and insight
Build reports and dashboards
Translate findings into recommendations
Present clearly to stakeholders
Data integrity and security
Document sources and methods
Maintain research records
Protect confidential and proprietary data
The mix shifts by type: a market research analyst weighs toward surveys and segmentation, a financial analyst toward modeling, and a senior analyst toward methodology and strategy. Write the duties concretely: design and run surveys and studies beats the vague conduct research, and build financial models and forecasts beats analyze data. For a structured way to scope the role, the guide to defining job responsibilities walks through the process.
Which Template Should You Use?
Pick the template by type and seniority. The core structure is the same across all six, but each one emphasizes the responsibilities, tools, and framing that fit a specific kind of research analyst. Use this guide to choose the closest fit, then adjust.
Standard Research Analyst
General, any field
The all-purpose version: gather, analyze, and interpret data into insights, across quantitative and qualitative work. Start here, then specialize.
Junior / Entry-Level
First or early hire
For an entry-level analyst (0 to 2 years). Emphasizes data collection, supported analysis, and learning, with a clear path to analyst.
Senior
Owns research
For an experienced analyst (5+ years) to own methodology, run complex analysis, translate findings to strategy, and mentor juniors.
Market Research Analyst
Customers and markets
The specialized version for studying markets, customers, and competitors. Surveys, segmentation, and commercial insight.
Financial / Investment
Companies and markets
The specialized version for financial modeling, company and market analysis, and investment research and recommendations.
Small Business / Startup
5 to 50, owner-led
The unique version for a small consultancy, agency, or startup making a key analyst hire. Plain language, multi-hat framing, required pay range.
Match the Template to the Research
General or mixed research: Standard Research Analyst. First or early-career hire: Junior. Experienced analyst to own methodology and mentor: Senior. Customers, markets, and competitors: Market Research Analyst. Financial modeling and investments: Financial / Investment. A small consultancy, agency, or startup making a key hire: Small Business / Startup. When in doubt, start from the Standard version and specialize the title to your field.
6 Research Analyst Job Description Templates
Download all six as a single Word document or copy individual templates. Each follows the same structure: company overview, role summary, key responsibilities, qualifications, tools, compensation with a salary-range field, work arrangement, and how to apply. Fill in the brackets and post.
Download All 6 Job Description Templates
Standard, junior, senior, market research, financial, and small-business. All in one DOCX.
Template 1: Research Analyst (Standard)
The all-purpose version: gather, analyze, and interpret data into insights, across quantitative and qualitative work. Start here, then specialize the title to your field.
Research Analyst Job Description (Standard)
RESEARCH ANALYST JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __
Location: __ ([City, State] / Remote / Hybrid)
Reports to: __ (Research Lead / Director / Founder)
For an experienced analyst (5+ years) to own methodology, run complex analysis, translate findings to strategy, and mentor juniors.
Senior Research Analyst Job Description
SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __
Location: __ (Remote / Hybrid / Onsite)
Reports to: Research Director / Head of Insights / Founder
Employment type: [ ] Full-time
FLSA status: Exempt (typically; see classification note)
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Senior Research Analyst to lead research projects end
to end and raise the rigor of our work. You will own methodology, run complex
analyses, translate findings into strategy, mentor junior analysts, and present
to leadership. Ideal for an experienced analyst ready to own research and guide
others.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Own research projects from question to recommendation
•Design rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodology
•Run advanced analysis and modeling
•Translate findings into strategy and clear recommendations
•Present to leadership and key stakeholders
•Mentor junior analysts and review their work
•Set research standards and documentation practices
•Manage confidential and proprietary data responsibly
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Bachelor's required; master's preferred in a relevant field
•[5 or more] years of research or analysis experience
•Advanced analytical and modeling skills
•Expert with relevant tools (SQL, Python or R, statistical software)
•Proven ability to turn data into decisions and to communicate it
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year
To apply, send your resume and a research portfolio to
__ by _.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 4: Market Research Analyst
The specialized version for studying markets, customers, and competitors: surveys, segmentation, and commercial insight that drives marketing and product.
Template 5: Financial / Investment Research Analyst
The specialized version for financial modeling, company and market analysis, and investment research and recommendations.
Financial / Investment Research Analyst Job Description
FINANCIAL / INVESTMENT RESEARCH ANALYST JOB DESCRIPTION
Company: __
Location: __ (Remote / Hybrid / Onsite)
Reports to: Finance / Investment Lead / Founder
Employment type: [ ] Full-time
FLSA status: Exempt (typically; see classification note)
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring a Financial / Investment Research Analyst to evaluate
financial data, companies, and investment opportunities. You will build financial
models, analyze performance and markets, research companies and sectors, and
produce recommendations that inform investment or business decisions. Ideal for a
rigorous analyst with strong financial modeling skills.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Build and maintain financial models and forecasts
•Analyze company, industry, and market performance
•Research investment opportunities and risks
•Prepare reports, memos, and recommendations
•Track portfolios, metrics, and market trends
•Present findings to leadership or investment committees
•Maintain data integrity and documentation
•Handle confidential and material non-public information appropriately
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Bachelor's in finance, economics, accounting, or related
•[2 or more] years in financial or investment analysis
•Strong financial modeling and valuation skills
•Proficiency with Excel and financial data tools
•CFA progress or designation a plus
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year
To apply, send your resume and a modeling or analysis sample to
__ by _.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 6: Small Business / Startup Research Analyst
The unique version for a small consultancy, agency, or startup making a key analyst hire. Plain language, multi-hat framing, with a required salary-range field built in.
Small Business / Startup Research Analyst Job Description
RESEARCH ANALYST JOB DESCRIPTION (SMALL BUSINESS / STARTUP)
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year (required in many states)
ABOUT US
[We are a small [consultancy / agency / startup] that runs on good research and
sharp analysis. This is a key, hands-on hire, so you will own research across the
business and work directly with the founder.]
WHAT YOU WILL DO
We need an analyst who can run research end to end without a big team behind them.
You will:
•Define the questions, gather the data, and run the analysis
•Build clean reports and dashboards leadership can act on
•Turn messy data into clear, useful recommendations
•Handle our market, customer, or financial research as needed
•Work directly with the founder and wear a few hats
•Keep proprietary and confidential data secure
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
•Strong analytical skills and a portfolio or work samples
•Comfortable owning research independently
•Fluent with Excel and at least one of SQL, Python, or R
•Able to communicate findings simply and clearly
•Bonus: domain experience in our space
We care about how you think and what you have analyzed more than your exact years
or degree.
PAY AND HOW TO APPLY
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year
(Note: many states now require a salary range in the job posting.)
To apply, send your resume and an analysis sample to __.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Research Analyst vs Market Research vs Financial Research
The three most common analyst types share methods but diverge in domain, pay, and the candidates they attract. Naming the type in the posting is the single most important thing you can do.
Type
Focus
BLS occupation and median
General Research Analyst
Mixed quantitative and qualitative business research
Varies; generic average in the upper $50,000s
Market Research Analyst
Markets, customers, competitors, segmentation
Market research analysts (19-3021): $76,950
Financial Research Analyst
Financial modeling, companies, investments
Financial and investment analysts (13-2051): $101,350
Operations Research Analyst
Mathematical models to improve operations
Operations research analysts: around $91,290
For a small team, the realistic hire is usually a general or market research analyst, while financial research roles cluster in finance and investment firms. If your need leans toward querying existing data and dashboards rather than primary research, the data analyst job description templates fit better, and the financial analyst job description templates cover the finance specialization in depth.
FLSA Exemption, NDA, and IP
This is the part the generic templates skip, and it matters more for this role than most. A research analyst is usually exempt, handles confidential data from day one, and produces valuable intellectual property, so the posting and onboarding should address all three.
FLSA: research analysts are usually exempt, but verify it
A research analyst is typically an exempt salaried employee, not an hourly worker entitled to overtime, but the classification turns on actual duties and pay, so confirm it rather than assuming. Two exemptions commonly apply. The learned professional exemption fits an analyst whose primary duty requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning, customarily acquired through a specialized degree. The administrative exemption fits an analyst whose primary duty is office work directly related to business operations and who exercises discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance, and the Department of Labor specifically names research among qualifying administrative areas. Either way, exemption requires payment on a salary basis above the federal threshold. This is general information, not legal advice.
When an entry-level analyst may be non-exempt
Not every research role is automatically exempt. An entry-level research assistant or junior analyst whose work is largely data entry, collection, and routine support, without advanced specialized knowledge or real discretion, may not meet either the learned professional or the administrative exemption, in which case the role is non-exempt and overtime-eligible. The line is fact-specific, similar to how technicians and assistants are analyzed. If a junior role is mostly supervised execution rather than independent judgment, treat it as non-exempt until you confirm otherwise, and track hours accordingly. This is general information, not legal advice.
Confidentiality and NDA from day one
Research analysts handle proprietary, competitive, and often confidential data from their first day: market intelligence, customer data, financial models, and methodologies. A confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement signed as part of onboarding is standard practice and worth building into the hiring process, not added later. For roles touching material non-public financial information, the obligations are stricter still. State in the posting that the role requires handling confidential information, and collect the signed NDA before access is granted. This is general information, not legal advice.
IP assignment for research outputs
The reports, models, datasets, and methodologies an analyst produces are valuable intellectual property. An intellectual-property assignment clause, confirming that work created in the role belongs to the company, protects that value and avoids disputes later, the same way it does for developers and designers. Build the IP-assignment and confidentiality language into the offer and onboarding paperwork, and keep the signed agreements on file. State pay transparently too, since a growing number of states require a salary range in the posting. This is general information, not legal advice.
Not Legal Advice: Confirm Classification
Research analysts are usually exempt under the learned professional or administrative exemption, but classification depends on actual duties and pay, and entry-level support roles may be non-exempt. Exemption requires payment on a salary basis above the federal threshold. Confidentiality and IP-assignment terms are standard for research roles but should be reviewed for your situation. This page and these templates are general references, not legal advice. Verify classification and agreement terms against current Department of Labor rules and consult counsel for edge cases.
Research analyst roles start from analytical rigor and methodology, then build on tools by type. Name the must-have skills clearly so the right candidates apply, and weight a strong work sample or portfolio.
Category
What to look for
Analysis
Statistics, methodology, quantitative and qualitative methods
Core tools
Excel and SQL (near-universal)
Technical
Python or R; SPSS or SAS for statistics
Visualization
Tableau or Power BI; survey tools (Qualtrics)
Communication
Clear reporting and presenting to non-technical stakeholders
Education
Bachelor's in a quantitative or analytical field typical
Keep the posting neutral and inclusive, since the EEOC prohibits job advertisements that show a preference based on a protected characteristic, and the SHRM guide covers the standard sections of a job description.
Research Analyst Salary
Pay varies widely by the type of research, seniority, and employer. Set your range using government data for the specific type as a baseline, then adjust for seniority and market.
Median $76,950 to $101,350 by Type (BLS, May 2024)
Market research analysts (SOC 19-3021) had a median annual wage of $76,950 in May 2024, with the lowest 10 percent under $42,070 and the highest 10 percent over $144,610. Financial and investment analysts (SOC 13-2051) earned more, with a median of $101,350, and management analysts around $101,190 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Generic and entry-level research analyst roles typically pay less, often in the $40,000 to $60,000 range.
Entry-level analysts fall at the lower end, with senior and financial-specialized roles toward the top, and pay running highest in major markets like San Jose and San Francisco. Market research employment is projected to grow about 7 percent through 2034, faster than average, so a competitive, transparent salary range helps. Benchmark to the specific type and seniority using national compensation surveys and government data, and publish a range, which many states now require.
Hiring a Research Analyst for a Small Team
A large bank, consulting firm, or corporation hires research analysts through a recruiting team and a research org. A boutique agency, a small consultancy, or a startup does not. The founder writes the posting, reviews work samples, and onboards the analyst directly, and the hire is relatively rare and high-stakes. As you build the team, related analyst roles follow the same pattern, which is why hiring a business analyst or a market research analyst shares the same approach. Here is how to write the posting for that reality.
Research analyst is an umbrella title, and a vague posting attracts the wrong people
The biggest mistake is posting a generic research analyst role without naming the kind of research. The title spans market research, financial and investment research, operations research, policy, and academic work, and each draws a different candidate. A market research analyst studies customers and competitors; a financial research analyst builds models and evaluates investments; a general analyst does mixed quantitative and qualitative work. Decide which you need, use the matching template, and name the field in the title and summary. A precise posting attracts relevant applicants instead of a flood of mismatched resumes from across the analyst world.
The classification and confidentiality are easy to get wrong
Two things trip up smaller employers on this role. First, classification: a research analyst is usually exempt under the learned professional or administrative exemption, but an entry-level role that is mostly data support may be non-exempt and overtime-eligible, so confirm rather than assume. Second, confidentiality: analysts handle proprietary and competitive data from day one, so a signed NDA and an IP-assignment clause belong in onboarding, not as an afterthought. Neither scales with company size. Getting both right once, in a clear offer and onboarding flow, keeps the role clean and protects the work product.
When a small team hires an analyst, the founder runs the whole process
A research analyst hire at a boutique agency, a small consultancy, or a startup is relatively rare and high-stakes, and there is usually no recruiter to handle it. The founder writes the posting, reviews work samples, and onboards the analyst directly. A clear, role-specific template does the heavy lifting: pick the version that matches the research you need, fill in the brackets, add a salary range, and post. FirstHR fits the part after you choose someone: e-signature for the offer letter, the NDA, and the IP-assignment agreement, document management for signed paperwork and research records, and task workflows for onboarding the analyst onto your tools and data. To be clear about scope, FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform, not a research or analytics tool, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits, so pair it with those. Applicant tracking is coming soon.
From Hiring to Onboarding
The job description is step one. Once a candidate accepts, the same document becomes the basis for the offer and onboarding, and for a research role the onboarding includes a couple of role-specific steps. Because analysts handle proprietary data and produce valuable work product from day one, a signed NDA and IP-assignment agreement belong in the process, not as an afterthought.
Send the offer
Confirm the role, salary, classification, and start date in writing. An offer letter template makes this fast and clear.
Collect paperwork and NDA
I-9, W-4, plus the confidentiality and IP-assignment agreements that matter from day one for a research role, signed and stored.
Onboard to tools and data
Set the analyst up in your data sources, analysis tools, and reporting stack, with the right access controls in place.
Store records
Keep the signed offer, NDA, IP agreement, and onboarding checklist organized and easy to find as the team grows.
Once your offer is ready, the offer letter template handles the next step, and an onboarding template gives the new hire a structured start. FirstHR connects the offer, paperwork, e-signatures including the NDA and IP-assignment agreement, document management for signed forms and research records, and the onboarding workflow in one place, so a small team can manage the full process from job description to a fully onboarded analyst from one system. FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform, not a research or analytics tool, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits, so connect those separately. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR.
Key Takeaways
Research analyst is an umbrella title: name the type (market, financial, operations, policy, or general) in the posting.
Use the template that matches the type and level: standard, junior, senior, market research, financial, or small-business.
The role is usually exempt under the learned professional or administrative exemption; confirm entry-level roles case by case.
Analysts handle proprietary data from day one, so build a confidentiality NDA and an IP-assignment clause into onboarding.
Use BLS data by type as a baseline: market research analysts at $76,950, financial analysts at $101,350, generic roles lower.
Weight a strong work sample over a degree or exact years, and name the required tools (Excel, SQL, Python or R, Tableau).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a research analyst do?
A research analyst gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to produce insights that inform decisions. Day to day, that means defining research questions, designing methodology, collecting and cleaning quantitative and qualitative data, running analysis and building models, identifying trends and patterns, and presenting clear findings and recommendations to stakeholders. The specifics depend on the type: a market research analyst studies customers and competitors, a financial research analyst builds models and evaluates investments, and an operations or policy analyst focuses on processes or programs. Research analysts work with tools like Excel, SQL, and often Python, R, SPSS, or Tableau, and they typically hold a bachelor's degree in a quantitative or analytical field. The common thread is turning data into decisions.
What are the different types of research analyst?
Research analyst is an umbrella title covering several distinct roles. A market research analyst studies markets, customers, and competitors, classified by BLS under market research analysts (SOC 19-3021). A financial or investment research analyst builds financial models and evaluates companies and investments, classified under financial and investment analysts (SOC 13-2051). An operations research analyst uses mathematical models to improve business operations. A policy analyst researches and evaluates programs and policy, common in government and nonprofits. A general or business research analyst does mixed quantitative and qualitative work across an organization. Because the title spans so many fields, a good job description names the specific type, since a market research analyst and a financial research analyst are genuinely different hires.
What should a research analyst job description include?
A strong research analyst job description includes a short company overview, a role summary, key responsibilities, required and preferred qualifications, the tools and methods, compensation, and the work arrangement. Crucially, it should name the type of research, whether market, financial, operations, policy, or general, since that defines the role. Responsibilities should be specific: designing methodology, collecting and analyzing data, building models and reports, and presenting findings. Qualifications should name the degree expectation, the experience level, and the tools (Excel, SQL, Python, R, Tableau, SPSS). Include a salary range, which a growing number of states require, and note the confidentiality and IP expectations, since analysts handle proprietary data from day one. State the FLSA classification, which for most analyst roles is exempt.
Is a research analyst exempt or non-exempt under the FLSA?
A research analyst is usually exempt, but the classification depends on actual duties and pay, so confirm it case by case. Two exemptions commonly apply. The learned professional exemption fits an analyst whose primary duty requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning, customarily acquired through a specialized degree, which matches the typical degree-required analyst role. The administrative exemption fits an analyst whose primary duty is office work directly related to business operations and who exercises discretion and independent judgment, and the Department of Labor names research among qualifying administrative areas. Either path requires payment on a salary basis above the federal threshold. An entry-level role that is mostly data collection and routine support, without advanced knowledge or real discretion, may instead be non-exempt and overtime-eligible. This is general information, not legal advice.
What skills and tools should a research analyst have?
Core skills are analytical thinking, research methodology, data analysis, and clear communication, since the job is turning data into decisions that others can act on. On tools, Excel and SQL are near-universal, with Python or R common for statistical analysis and automation, SPSS or SAS for statistics, and Tableau or Power BI for visualization. Market research roles add survey tools like Qualtrics and sometimes qualitative tools like NVivo, while financial research roles emphasize financial modeling and data platforms. Beyond tools, look for rigor, attention to detail, comfort with both quantitative and qualitative methods, and the ability to present findings simply to non-technical stakeholders. A bachelor's degree in a quantitative or analytical field is typical, and a strong work sample or portfolio is often the best signal of ability.
How much does a research analyst make?
Pay varies widely by the type of research, seniority, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $76,950 for market research analysts (SOC 19-3021) as of May 2024, with the lowest 10 percent under $42,070 and the highest 10 percent over $144,610. Financial and investment analysts (SOC 13-2051) earn more, with a median of $101,350, and operations and management analysts are also higher. Entry-level and general research analyst roles often pay less, with national surveys putting a generic research analyst average in the upper $50,000s and entry roles around $40,000 to $50,000, rising well into six figures for senior and financial specializations. For a posting, benchmark to the specific type and seniority using government data and national compensation surveys, and publish a salary range where required. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is the difference between a research analyst and a data analyst?
The roles overlap but differ in focus. A research analyst centers on answering research questions: designing methodology, gathering primary and secondary data including surveys and interviews, and producing insights and recommendations on a market, financial, or policy question. A data analyst centers on working with existing datasets: querying databases, cleaning and transforming data, building dashboards and reports, and surfacing metrics, usually with deeper technical and SQL skills and less primary research. In practice the line blurs, and many roles blend both, but a research analyst leans toward methodology and domain insight while a data analyst leans toward data engineering and reporting. If your need is mostly querying and dashboards, a data analyst posting fits better; if it is studies and recommendations, a research analyst does. This is general information, not legal advice.
What happens after I hire a research analyst?
Once a candidate accepts, the work shifts to onboarding, and for a research role the paperwork includes a few things beyond the basics. Before the start date you typically need the signed offer, the I-9 completed by day one with verification within three business days, the W-4, and, importantly for this role, a signed confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement and an intellectual-property assignment agreement, since analysts handle proprietary data and produce valuable work product from day one. Then comes setup: access to data sources, analysis tools, and the reporting stack, with appropriate controls. FirstHR handles the offer, e-signature on the offer letter, NDA, and IP agreement, document management with the signed paperwork and research records organized in one place, and the onboarding workflow, so a small team can get an analyst set up securely and consistently.
