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Research and Development Associate V Salary in the United States

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

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Associate V in the United States is $160,451 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $172,231
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $150,002 to $166,617
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $140,489
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View as table View as graph 25% $150,002 10% $140,489 90% $172,231 75% $166,617 $160,451 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Associate V Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $166,617 $13,885 $3,204 $80
Average $160,451 $13,371 $3,086 $77
25th Percentile $150,002 $12,500 $2,885 $72
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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Associate V Salaries

A Research and Development Associate V'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 V'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 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
  • Research and Development Supervisor (12+ years): $114,367
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Research and Development Supervisor12+ years$114,367
$99,703 Research ...
$131,383 Research ...
$160,451 Research ...
$214,554 Research ...
$114,367 Research ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Associate Vs

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: $202,377
  • San Francisco: $200,387
  • Oakland: $195,943

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.44% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • SOP (Mentioned in 3.89% Job Postings): SOP is A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
  • Cell Biology (Mentioned in 2.22% Job Postings): Utilizing techniques to study cell structures and functions for further research on human anatomy, physiology, and medications.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.44%
SOP 3.89%
Cell Biology 2.22%
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 V's salary.
  • Goal Oriented: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Critical Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Goal Oriented
 $190,937
19%
Critical Thinking
 $184,519
15%
Interpersonal Communication
 $184,519
15%
Products and Services
 $184,519
15%
Inference
 $174,892
9%
Verbal Communication
 $171,683
7%
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How Education impacts a Research and Development Associate V's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research and Development Associate Vs 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 V with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $149,105 and $159,258).

Research and Development Associate V Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Research and Development Associate V
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.2%
High School 1.2%
Associates 1.8%
Bachelors 15.5%
Masters 28.6%
Doctorate 53.0%
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Research and Development Associate V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and Development Associate V'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on March 01, 2026
$150,002
Average $160,451/year
$166,617
$12,500
Average $13,371/month
$13,885
$2,885
Average $3,086/week
$3,204
$72
Average $77/hour
$80
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $166,617 $13,885 $3,204 $80
Average $160,451 $13,371 $3,086 $77
25th Percentile $150,002 $12,500 $2,885 $72

Research and Development Associate V Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Associate V
Human Factors Research Manager
Research and Development Associate VI
Human Factors Research Senior Manager
SVP of Research & Development

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development Associate V, 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 V Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Research Manager $151,296 -6%
Research and Development Associate VI $214,554 34%

Salaries of jobs related to Research and Development Associate V

Most common benefits for Research and Development Associate V

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FAQ about Research and Development Associate V

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

A Research and Development Associate V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Research and Development Associate V is $202,377.

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

The highest pay for Research and Development Associate V is $172,231.

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

The lowest pay for Research and Development Associate V is $140,489.

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

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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ 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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