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Research and Development Associate I Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Research and Development Associate I make in Massachusetts?

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Associate I in Massachusetts is $77,070 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a Research and Development Associate I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $93,668
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,181 to $85,758
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,088
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View as table View as graph 25% $68,181 10% $60,088 90% $93,668 75% $85,758 $77,070 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Associate I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $85,758 $7,147 $1,649 $41
Average $77,070 $6,423 $1,482 $37
25th Percentile $68,181 $5,682 $1,311 $33
Check out Research and Development Associate I Job Openings in Massachusetts
Research Associate

GForce Life Sciences - Lexington, MA

Research Associate

Compunnel Inc. - Lexington, MA

Research Associate

Compunnel Inc. - Lexington, MA

Associate Vice President of Development

New England Aquarium - Boston, MA

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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Associate I Salaries

A Research and 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.

How Experience Level Affects Research and Development Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and 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:

  • Research and Development Associate I (0-2 years): $77,070
  • Research and Development Associate II (2-4 years): $89,641
  • Research and Development Associate III (4-7 years): $108,475
  • Research and Development Associate IV (7+ years): $142,995
  • Research and Development Associate V (7-10 years): $174,614
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate I0-2 years$77,070
Research and Development Associate II2-4 years$89,641
Research and Development Associate III4-7 years$108,475
Research and Development Associate IV7+ years$142,995
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$174,614
$77,070 Research ...
$89,641 Research ...
$108,475 Research ...
$142,995 Research ...
$174,614 Research ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Associate Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Agawam: $73,053
  • Amherst: $73,587
  • Barre: $74,322

Research and Development Associate I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Research and 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 $86,202. While startup companies pay approximate $72,901.

Research and Development Associate I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$72,901
Growth Stage51~500$77,105
Established501~5000$83,245
Enterprise5000+$86,202

Research and Development Associate I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Research and Development Associate I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Research and Development Associate positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research and Development Associate I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Research and Development Associate I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$104,045$50.035%
Pharmaceuticals$100,191$48.030%
Biotechnology$96,338$46.025%
Financial Services$96,338$46.025%
Internet$92,484$44.020%

Research and Development Associate I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on June 01, 2026
$68,181
Average $77,070/year
$85,758
$5,682
Average $6,423/month
$7,147
$1,311
Average $1,482/week
$1,649
$33
Average $37/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,758 $7,147 $1,649 $41
Average $77,070 $6,423 $1,482 $37
25th Percentile $68,181 $5,682 $1,311 $33

Research and Development Associate I Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Associate I
Human Factors Researcher II
Research and Development Engineer
Research and Development Associate II
Human Factors Researcher III
SVP of Research & Development

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and 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.

Research and Development Associate I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Researcher II $108,216 40%
Research and Development Engineer $127,241 65%
Research and Development Associate II $89,641 16%

Salaries of jobs related to Research and Development Associate I

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Cost of Living In Massachusetts

Cost of Living in Massachusetts is
8.8% Higher
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