Anyone who has interest in the field of research can become a research assistant. The tasks of a research assistant vary from paper works to maintaining lab cleanliness, to collecting data. For those who have Masters and Doctorate degree, the responsibilities are more complex which include presenting data during conferences, analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, attending project meetings, interviewing subjects, preparing presentations and more. If you are skilled in performing these jobs, you can make money as a research assistant.

The pay rate depends on your educational status. For undergraduates, normally it is minimum wage and usually, the pay is already part of their financial aid package. Graduate students on the other hand can waive their tuition and receive additional stipend every semester. If you want this to be your career and seriously want to make money as a research assistant, you can apply in hospitals and private companies and get paid higher.

There are research assistant jobs that are suitable as an entry level career and there are jobs that are more appropriate to degree holder individuals. Since the pay will depend on your proficiency, you need to come up with an impressive resume. Undergraduates may not have previous work experience but other abilities like reliability, following directions, working independently, can blend well in a group, among others can make a difference. And of course for graduate students, their previous research experience could make a big impact on their resume.