As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a R & D Support Associate I in the United States is $70,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a R & D Support Associate I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
R & D Support Associate I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $78,900 | $6,575 | $1,517 | $38 |
| Average | $70,900 | $5,908 | $1,363 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,700 | $5,225 | $1,206 | $30 |
A R & D Support Associate I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a R & D Support Associate I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| R & D Support Associate I | 0-2 years | $70,814 |
| R & D Support Associate II | 2-4 years | $82,356 |
| R & D Support Associate III | 4-7 years | $99,644 |
| R & D Support Associate IV | 7+ years | $131,403 |
| R & D Support Associate V | 7-10 years | $160,443 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 12.04% |
| Data Analysis | 2.73% |
| SOP | 1.81% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a R & D Support Associate I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Development | $93,588 | |
| Process Development | $75,863 | |
| Commitment | $75,863 |
R & D Support Associate I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $79,234. While startup companies pay approximate $67,024.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $67,024 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $70,884 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $76,510 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $79,234 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many R & D Support Associate Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a R & D Support Associate I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $69,191 and $74,246).
| Typical Education for R & D Support Associate I | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 2.0% |
| Associates | 3.2% |
| Bachelors | 56.5% |
| Masters | 28.2% |
| Doctorate | 9.5% |
Understanding how a R & D Support Associate I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $78,900 | $6,575 | $1,517 | $38 |
| Average | $70,900 | $5,908 | $1,363 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,700 | $5,225 | $1,206 | $30 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a R & D Support Associate I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Human Factors Engineer II | $99,500 | 40% |
| R & D Engineer | $117,000 | 65% |
| R & D Support Associate II | $82,400 | 16% |
Salaries for a R & D Support Associate I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,469 in 2023 to around $74,707 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of R & D Support Associate I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $79,469 |
| 2024 | $76,768 |
| 2025 | $74,707 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for R & D Support Associate I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
Jobs in fields like Data Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Aerospace Engineering offer some of the highest salaries in science-related sectors. Specifically, R&D Support Associates earn between $66,900 and $85,000, with a median salary of $76,300. Roles in R&D, AI development, and clinical research are among the most lucrative.
R&D Support Associates in the USA earn between $66,900 and $85,000 annually, with a median salary of $76,300. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in research and development roles.
R&D can be a significant investment for companies, often seen as an expense rather than a direct revenue source. However, roles like R&D Support Associate offer competitive salaries, ranging from $66,900 to $85,000, with a midpoint of $76,300. While R&D may not always yield immediate profits, it plays a crucial role in innovation and long-term growth.
The salary for an R&D Support Associate ranges from ₹66,900 to ₹85,000, with a mid-point salary of ₹76,300. These figures reflect the compensation for this role based on current data.
To join the R&D department, first identify your interests within the field. Obtain at least a bachelor's degree, with higher degrees preferred for research roles. Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions. Networking with professionals can also be beneficial. Salaries for R&D Support Associates range from $66,900 to $85,000, with a mid-point of $76,300.
When considering the best companies for research and development, options like Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., and ISRO stand out. Salaries for R&D Support Associates in this field typically range from $66,900 to $85,000, with a mid-point of $76,300, reflecting the competitive nature of these roles in leading organizations.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: