As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Business Development Associate I in the United States is $63,949 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Business Development Associate I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Business Development Associate I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,258 | $5,688 | $1,313 | $33 |
| Average | $63,949 | $5,329 | $1,230 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,446 | $4,704 | $1,086 | $27 |
A Business Development 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Business Development 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Development Associate I | 0-2 years | $63,949 |
| Business Development Associate II | 2-4 years | $76,209 |
| Business Development Associate III | 4-7 years | $98,828 |
| Business Development Associate IV | 7+ years | $130,216 |
| Business Development Associate V | 7-10 years | $167,038 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 3.84% |
| B2B | 2.06% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.62% |
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 Business Development Associate I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | $69,065 | |
| Innovation | $68,425 | |
| Sales Process | $68,425 |
Business Development Associate I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,466. While startup companies pay approximate $60,453.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $60,453 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $63,935 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $69,009 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $71,466 |
Understanding how a Business Development 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 | $68,258 | $5,688 | $1,313 | $33 |
| Average | $63,949 | $5,329 | $1,230 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,446 | $4,704 | $1,086 | $27 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Business Development 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Development Associate II | $76,209 | 19% |
| Business Development Manager - Biotech | $136,739 | 114% |
Salaries for a Business Development Associate I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,941 in 2023 to around $74,037 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Business Development Associate I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $74,941 |
| 2024 | $74,879 |
| 2025 | $74,037 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Business Development Associate I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Business Development Associate I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Business Development Associate I is $80,659.
The highest pay for Business Development Associate I is $72,181.
The lowest pay for Business Development Associate I is $49,615.
Identifies and nurtures strategic relationships with partners or potential customers. Assists in the development of a strong pipeline of new business opportunities through direct or indirect customer contact and prospecting. Works with marketing, sales, and product development teams to implement business development initiatives. Requires a bachelor's degree in business, finance or marketing. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Business Development Associate I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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