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Research and Development Associate I Salary in Pennsylvania

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Associate I in Pennsylvania is $70,497 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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): $85,691
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,368 to $78,450
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,967
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View as table View as graph 25% $62,368 10% $54,967 90% $85,691 75% $78,450 $70,497 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 $78,450 $6,538 $1,509 $38
Average $70,497 $5,875 $1,356 $34
25th Percentile $62,368 $5,197 $1,199 $30
Check out Research and Development Associate I Job Openings in Pennsylvania
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Confidential - Pittsburgh, PA

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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): $70,497
  • Research and Development Associate II (2-4 years): $81,993
  • Research and Development Associate III (4-7 years): $99,216
  • Research and Development Associate IV (7+ years): $130,805
  • Research and Development Associate V (7-10 years): $159,725
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate I0-2 years$70,497
Research and Development Associate II2-4 years$81,993
Research and Development Associate III4-7 years$99,216
Research and Development Associate IV7+ years$130,805
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$159,725
$70,497 Research ...
$81,993 Research ...
$99,216 Research ...
$130,805 Research ...
$159,725 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:

  • Beaver Meadows: $68,155
  • Coaldale: $68,689
  • Conyngham: $67,520

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 $78,851. While startup companies pay approximate $66,684.

Research and Development Associate I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$66,684
Growth Stage51~500$70,529
Established501~5000$76,145
Enterprise5000+$78,851

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$95,171$46.035%
Pharmaceuticals$91,647$44.030%
Biotechnology$88,122$42.025%
Financial Services$88,122$42.025%
Internet$84,597$41.020%

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 July 01, 2026
$62,368
Average $70,497/year
$78,450
$5,197
Average $5,875/month
$6,538
$1,199
Average $1,356/week
$1,509
$30
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,450 $6,538 $1,509 $38
Average $70,497 $5,875 $1,356 $34
25th Percentile $62,368 $5,197 $1,199 $30

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 $99,000 40%
Research and Development Engineer $116,398 65%
Research and Development Associate II $81,993 16%

Salaries of jobs related to Research and Development Associate I

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