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Research and Development Associate III Salary in Colorado

How much does a Research and Development Associate III make in Colorado?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Associate III in Colorado is $101,687 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $118,199
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $94,033 to $110,330
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $87,064
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View as table View as graph 25% $94,033 10% $87,064 90% $118,199 75% $110,330 $101,687 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Associate III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $110,330 $9,194 $2,122 $53
Average $101,687 $8,474 $1,956 $49
25th Percentile $94,033 $7,836 $1,808 $45
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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Associate III Salaries

A Research and Development Associate III'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 III'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): $72,254
  • Research and Development Associate II (2-4 years): $84,036
  • Research and Development Associate III (4-7 years): $101,687
  • Research and Development Associate IV (7+ years): $134,063
  • Research and Development Associate V (7-10 years): $163,704
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate I0-2 years$72,254
Research and Development Associate II2-4 years$84,036
Research and Development Associate III4-7 years$101,687
Research and Development Associate IV7+ years$134,063
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$163,704
$72,254 Research ...
$84,036 Research ...
$101,687 Research ...
$134,063 Research ...
$163,704 Research ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Associate IIIs

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:

  • Glen Haven: $99,696
  • Hygiene: $103,161
  • Johnstown: $99,918

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

Research and Development Associate III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $113,736. While startup companies pay approximate $96,187.

Research and Development Associate III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$96,187
Growth Stage51~500$101,733
Established501~5000$109,834
Enterprise5000+$113,736

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

For Research and Development Associate III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Research and Development Associate positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research and Development Associate III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Research and Development Associate III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$111,856$54.010%
Biotechnology$111,856$54.010%
Energy & Utilities$111,856$54.010%
Financial Services$111,856$54.010%
Healthcare$111,856$54.010%

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

Understanding how a Research and Development Associate III'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
$94,033
Average $101,687/year
$110,330
$7,836
Average $8,474/month
$9,194
$1,808
Average $1,956/week
$2,122
$45
Average $49/hour
$53
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $110,330 $9,194 $2,122 $53
Average $101,687 $8,474 $1,956 $49
25th Percentile $94,033 $7,836 $1,808 $45

Research and Development Associate III Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Associate III
Human Factors Researcher IV
Research and Development Associate IV
Human Factors Researcher V
SVP of Research & Development

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development Associate III, 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 III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Researcher IV $137,388 35%
Research and Development Associate IV $134,063 32%

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