Protagonist Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Protagonist in the United States is $119,924. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $58. Salaries at Protagonist typically range from $105,697 to $135,579 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Protagonist Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Protagonist. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Associate Director, Operations, with an annual salary of $182,773. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Part-time Hostess

$25,436 / year

Salary Range: $22,985 - $29,175

Hospitality

Part-time Food Runner-Busser

$32,436 / year

Salary Range: $28,650 - $36,595

IT Infrastructure

Club Housekeeper

$70,632 / year

Salary Range: $59,768 - $82,889

Security Specialization

Part-Time Front Desk Receptionist

$38,435 / year

Salary Range: $34,729 - $43,061

Customer Service

Banquet Chef

$65,193 / year

Salary Range: $56,684 - $75,421

Culinary

Research Associate

$68,109 / year

Salary Range: $59,663 - $76,720

Research

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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About Protagonist: Company Profile

Website
www.protagonist-inc.com
Founded In
2006
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Pharmaceuticals
Headquarter Location
NEWARK
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About PROTAGONIST
Protagonist develops orally stable peptide therapeutics for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Protagonist's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
A fantastic place for professionals looking to make a difference. The leadership team communicates clearly, making employees feel informed and valued. Training programs are robust, and leadership is accessible. Benefits are standard for the industry, and the office environment is comfortable. Good training programs.
It’s a fulfilling place to work with a bright future. The company offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The company maintains a professional atmosphere, and job security is strong. This company values its employees and invests in their growth. It’s a stable environment, suitable for those who prefer routine over rapid changes.
The company culture is welcoming, and the pharmaceutical work is stimulating. It’s a decent place for those who value predictability in their career. The work culture here is excellent, with a strong emphasis on collaboration. The pharmaceutical research we do is impactful, and the team is highly motivated. Working at this pharmaceuticals company has been a rewarding experience. I feel valued and ...
The culture here is collaborative and focused on pharmaceuticals. Mental health initiatives and wellness programs are a big plus. The company culture here is inclusive and motivating.

Is Protagonist’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Protagonist's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
PFANSTIEHL, INC. $95,190
-20.6%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where PFANSTIEHL, INC. primarily operates.
PROTEIN EXPRESS $94,024
-21.6%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like PROTEIN EXPRESS.
PHE INVESTMENTS LLC $100,862
-15.9%
PHE INVESTMENTS LLC focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
PARTICLE DYNAMICS $93,028
-22.4%
PARTICLE DYNAMICS operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Pharmaceuticals Industry $133,789
+11.6%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near San Jose?

Understanding the cost of living near San Jose is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Protagonist.
San Jose's Cost of Living Index is approximately 214.5 (114.5% more expensive than US average; 53.4% more than CA average). Heart of Silicon Valley, astronomical housing costs, high transportation, and high prices for almost everything. When planning your budget based on a salary from Protagonist, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,800 - $4,500+ A significant portion of Protagonist salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $180 - $300 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $80 (VTA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $500 - $800 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $550 - $1,100+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $780+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,510 - $7,480+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Protagonist

FAQ 1: How much does a Protagonist employee make?
Protagonist pays its employees an average of $119,924 per year. The average salary at Protagonist range from $105,697 to $135,579 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.
FAQ 2: Which similar company tend to pay more or less than Protagonist?
The salary at Protagonist is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at Protagonist is $119,924, or an hourly wage of $58, in comparison to PFANSTIEHL, INC. which pays $95,190 per year or $46 per hour.
FAQ 3: Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Protagonist?
In many roles at Protagonist, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.
FAQ 4: How does the cost of living near San Jose affect the perceived value of a Protagonist salary?
San Jose's Cost of Living Index is approximately 214.5 (114.5% more expensive than US average; 53.4% more than CA average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Protagonist based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for San Jose" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.
FAQ 5: What kind of benefits does Protagonist typically offer employees?
Protagonist generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Protagonist" section on this page.