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Research and Development Associate IV Salary in Washington

How much does a Research and Development Associate IV make in Washington?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Associate IV in Washington is $142,473 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

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): $168,201
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $130,162 to $155,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $118,953
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View as table View as graph 25% $130,162 10% $118,953 90% $168,201 75% $155,940 $142,473 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 $155,940 $12,995 $2,999 $75
Average $142,473 $11,873 $2,740 $68
25th Percentile $130,162 $10,847 $2,503 $63
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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, 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): $89,307
  • Research and Development Associate III (4-7 years): $108,066
  • Research and Development Associate IV (7+ years): $142,473
  • Research and Development Associate V (7-10 years): $173,973
  • Research and Development Associate VI (10-12 years): $232,686
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate II2-4 years$89,307
Research and Development Associate III4-7 years$108,066
Research and Development Associate IV7+ years$142,473
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$173,973
Research and Development Associate VI10-12 years$232,686
$89,307 Research ...
$108,066 Research ...
$142,473 Research ...
$173,973 Research ...
$232,686 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:

  • Auburn: $142,298
  • Federal Way: $142,236
  • Bellevue: $145,160

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

Research and Development Associate IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $159,355. While startup companies pay approximate $134,766.

Research and Development Associate IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$134,766
Growth Stage51~500$142,536
Established501~5000$153,887
Enterprise5000+$159,355

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

For Research and Development Associate IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Research and Development Associate positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research and Development Associate IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Research and Development Associate IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$178,091$86.025%
Software & Networking$170,967$82.020%
Healthcare$168,118$81.018%
Pharmaceuticals$163,844$79.015%
Aerospace & Defense$159,569$77.012%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$130,162
Average $142,473/year
$155,940
$10,847
Average $11,873/month
$12,995
$2,503
Average $2,740/week
$2,999
$63
Average $68/hour
$75
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $155,940 $12,995 $2,999 $75
Average $142,473 $11,873 $2,740 $68
25th Percentile $130,162 $10,847 $2,503 $63

Research and Development Associate IV Salary Growth & Career Path

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

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 $172,326 21%
Research and Development Associate V $173,973 22%

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