The amount of money you make in research depends largely upon the funding your boss receives via grants. Research takes a LOT of time. I had a required "summer" research project to gain my B.S. My project started right at the tail end of May and wasn't concluded until the late part of October, just to give you an idea. There are so many variables when conducting experiments that when something goes awry, it takes time to produce the desired result (if at all). The experience is good, though.