Research Analyst Jobs in California

Research Analyst jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, life sciences, finance, and public policy sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level associate through senior and principal analyst. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where anchor employers like Google, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo maintain significant research operations. The most in-demand specialties are quantitative analysis, market research, and health care analytics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles72
Top employerPIMCO
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring28
Work type60% Hybrid
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 72+ Research Analyst jobs

Sr. Clinical Research Finance Analyst- Hybrid
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Added 2d ago
Sr. Clinical Research Finance Analyst- Hybrid
UC Irvine Health
Orange, California
Clinical Trials
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
$79k - $143k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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Data Analyst / Researcher (On-Premise and Hybrid)
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Added 3d ago
Data Analyst / Researcher (On-Premise and Hybrid)
JetHead Development Inc.
Carlsbad, California
Customer Support
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Technical Product & Program Management
Technical Program Management
$90k - $190k/yr
Hybrid

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Senior Institutional Research Analyst
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Added 3d ago
Senior Institutional Research Analyst
Kern Community College District
Bakersfield, California
Business Analyst
Compliance & Risk
Consulting & Professional Services
$94k.12 - $133k/yr
Bachelor's degree in statistics
1,001-5,000

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Operations Research Analyst (NH-1515-03) USAF TPS
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Added 5d ago
Operations Research Analyst (NH-1515-03) USAF TPS
Air Force Test Center
Edwards AFB, California
Engineering (Non-Software)
Systems Administration
Technical Program Management
$104k - $161k/yr
Master's degree

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Operations Research Analyst
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Added 5d ago
Operations Research Analyst
Corps Solutions
Twentynine Palms, California
Business Analyst
Compliance & Risk
Consulting & Professional Services
$85k - $110k/yr
Bachelor's degree
51-200

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See All 72 Research Analyst Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Research Analyst Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Los Angeles
8 jobs
Newport Beach
7 jobs
San Diego
4 jobs
El Segundo
4 jobs
Irvine
3 jobs
Stanford
3 jobs
Culver City
3 jobs
Orange
2 jobs

Research Analyst Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

PIMCO7 open roles
University of California - San Francisco7 open roles
Stanford University3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Law & Legal Services
  • Technology & Software
  • Government & Public Sector

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in research analyst jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, social sciences, or a related analytical field
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools such as R, Python, SQL, or Tableau
  • Experience designing and executing primary or secondary research studies
  • Strong written communication skills for presenting findings to non-technical stakeholders
  • Familiarity with California-specific regulatory or industry data sources relevant to the sector
  • Ability to manage multiple research projects and deliver results within deadline-driven environments

Research Analyst Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a research analyst in California?

Most research analyst roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, public policy, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred for senior positions. California does not require a state-issued license for most research analyst roles, but those working in financial services may need FINRA registration such as the Series 86 and 87 for equity research. Building a portfolio of research projects, published reports, or data work strengthens candidacy significantly in California's competitive market.

How much do research analysts make in California?

Research analysts in California earn a median of about $80,810 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,160 for the lowest 10% to over $163,120 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire research analysts in California?

Employers hiring research analysts in California right now include PIMCO, University of California - San Francisco, and Stanford University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's mix of major technology companies, large health systems, financial institutions, and public agencies creates consistent demand for research analysts across multiple industries and specializations.

Which California cities have the most research analyst jobs?

San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Newport Beach have the most research analyst openings in California. San Francisco's concentration of technology and financial services firms drives the largest share of postings, Los Angeles draws demand through its entertainment, health care, and consumer goods industries, and San Diego's robust life sciences and biotech sector supports a strong base of research analyst positions outside the two largest metros.

Are there remote research analyst jobs in California?

Yes, and more than most fields, since research analyst work is desk-based and output-driven rather than requiring a physical presence. About 76% of research analyst openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well the role adapts to distributed work. Quantitative analysis, market research, and policy research positions are the most likely to be offered with full or partial remote flexibility.

How can I get hired as a research analyst in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is securing a research assistant or junior analyst role, which large California employers in health care, technology, and financial services post specifically for candidates without extensive experience. Organizations like Kaiser Permanente, UC system research centers, and California state agencies such as the California Department of Public Health run associate and analyst development programs that welcome new graduates. Building a portfolio through academic research, capstone projects, or freelance data work gives candidates a concrete edge when applying to these roles.

Where can I find and apply to research analyst jobs in California?

You can find and apply to research analyst jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.

See All 72 Research Analyst Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Research Analyst Jobs