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Research and Development Associate IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Research and Development Associate IV make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Associate IV in the United States is $131,383 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $155,109
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $119,915 to $143,802
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,474
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View as table View as graph 25% $119,915 10% $109,474 90% $155,109 75% $143,802 $131,383 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Associate IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $143,802 $11,984 $2,765 $69
Average $131,383 $10,949 $2,527 $63
25th Percentile $119,915 $9,993 $2,306 $58
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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Associate IV Salaries

A Research and Development Associate IV'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.

How Experience Level Affects Research and Development Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and Development Associate IV'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 II (2-4 years): $82,379
  • Research and Development Associate III (4-7 years): $99,703
  • Research and Development Associate IV (7+ years): $131,383
  • Research and Development Associate V (7-10 years): $160,451
  • Research and Development Associate VI (10-12 years): $214,554
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate II2-4 years$82,379
Research and Development Associate III4-7 years$99,703
Research and Development Associate IV7+ years$131,383
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$160,451
Research and Development Associate VI10-12 years$214,554
$82,379 Research ...
$99,703 Research ...
$131,383 Research ...
$160,451 Research ...
$214,554 Research ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Associate IVs

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:

  • San Jose: $165,713
  • San Francisco: $164,084
  • Oakland: $160,445

What Skills Can Increase a Research and Development Associate IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Project Management (Mentioned in 4.21% Job Postings): Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget.
  • Immunology (Mentioned in 3.16% Job Postings): Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences. The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defence.
  • Data Management (Mentioned in 2.11% Job Postings): Data Management comprises all disciplines related to managing data as a valuable resource. The concept of data management arose in the 1980s as technology moved from sequential processing (first cards, then tape) to random access storage. Since it was now possible to store a discreet fact and quickly access it using random access disk technology, those suggesting that data management was more important than business process management used arguments such as "a customer's home address is stored in 75 (or some other large number) places in our computer systems." However, during this period, random access processing was not competitively fast, so those suggesting "process management" was more important than "data management" used batch processing time as their primary argument. As software applications evolved into real-time, interactive usage, it became obvious that both management processes were important. If the data was not well defined, the data would be mis-used in applications. If the process wasn't well defined, it was impossible to meet user needs.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Project Management 4.21%
Immunology 3.16%
Data Management 2.11%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
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 Research and Development Associate IV's salary.
  • Marketing Research: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Illustrator: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Immunology: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Marketing Research
$155,032
18%
Illustrator
$143,207
9%
Immunology
$140,580
7%
Diagnostic Tests
$140,580
7%
Team Development
$139,266
6%
Insight
$137,952
5%
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How Education impacts a Research and Development Associate IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research and Development Associate IVs enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Research and Development Associate IV with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $125,346 and $134,511).

Research and Development Associate IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Research and Development Associate IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 22.2%
Associates 1.1%
Bachelors 22.2%
Masters 37.5%
Doctorate 39.2%
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Research and Development Associate IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and Development Associate IV'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.

Last Updated on March 01, 2026

Research and Development Associate IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development Associate IV, 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 IV Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Researcher V $158,939 21%
Research and Development Associate V $160,451 22%

Most common benefits for Research and Development Associate IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Research and Development Associate IV

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FAQ about Research and Development Associate IV

1. Where can a Research and Development Associate IV earn the most?

A Research and Development Associate IV'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 Research and Development Associate IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Research and Development Associate IV is $165,713.

2. What is the highest pay for Research and Development Associate IV?

The highest pay for Research and Development Associate IV is $155,109.

3. What is the lowest pay for Research and Development Associate IV?

The lowest pay for Research and Development Associate IV is $109,474.

4. What are the responsibilities of Research and Development Associate IV?

Participates in research and design activities that develop or improve products, components, technologies, or processes. Utilizes mathematical and scientific frameworks to compile and analyze data. Documents research and development methodologies and ensures adherence to scientific, engineering, and industry standards. Writes technical reports detailing procedures, outcomes, and observations. Conducts prototype testing to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with internal and external standards, regulations, and requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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