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Research and Development Associate VI Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Associate VI in the United States is $214,618 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $103.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $244,528
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $203,807 to $230,274
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $193,964
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Associate VI Salaries

A Research and Development Associate VI'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 VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and Development Associate VI'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 IV (7+ years): $131,403
  • Research and Development Associate V (7-10 years): $160,443
  • Research and Development Associate VI (10-12 years): $214,618
  • Research and Development Supervisor (12+ years): $114,402
  • Research and Development Manager (12+ years): $145,223
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate IV7+ years$131,403
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$160,443
Research and Development Associate VI10-12 years$214,618
Research and Development Supervisor12+ years$114,402
Research and Development Manager12+ years$145,223
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How Do Research and Development Associate VI Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Research and Development Associate VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $237,625.
  • California: $236,724.
  • Massachusetts: $233,569.

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Associate VIs

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: $270,698
  • San Francisco: $267,734
  • Oakland: $262,092

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 13.23% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Research and Development (Mentioned in 2.77% Job Postings): Research and development (R&D, R+D, or R'n'D), known in Europe as research and technological development (RTD), refers to innovative activities undertaken by corporations or governments in developing new services or products, or improving existing services or products. Research and development constitutes the first stage of development of a potential new service or the production process. R&D activities differ from institution to institution, with two primary models of an R&D department either staffed by engineers and tasked with directly developing new products, or staffed with industrial scientists and tasked with applied research in scientific or technological fields, which may facilitate future product development. R&D differs from the vast majority of corporate activities in that it is not intended to yield immediate profit, and generally carries greater risk and an uncertain return on investment. However R&D is crucial for acquiring larger shares of the market through the marketisation of new products.
  • Cell Culture (Mentioned in 1.63% Job Postings): Cell culture or Tissue culture is the process by which cells are grown under controlled conditions, generally outside their natural environment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 13.23%
Research and Development 2.77%
Cell Culture 1.63%
See More Skills

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 VI's salary.

  • Bioinformatics: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Cell Culture: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Bioinformatics $238,226
11%
Oral Communication $233,934
9%
Cell Culture $229,641
7%
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Research and Development Associate VI Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Research and Development Associate VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $239,845. While startup companies pay approximate $202,884.

Research and Development Associate VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $202,884
Growth Stage 51~500 $214,570
Established 501~5000 $231,601
Enterprise 5000+ $239,845

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

For Research and Development Associate VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Research and Development Associate positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research and Development Associate VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Research and Development Associate VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$279,003$134.030%
Software & Networking$268,272$129.025%
Biotechnology$257,542$124.020%
Energy & Utilities$246,811$119.015%
Internet$246,811$119.015%

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

Understanding how a Research and Development Associate VI'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 September 01, 2026
$203,807
Average $214,618/year
$230,274
$16,984
Average $17,885/month
$19,190
$3,919
Average $4,127/week
$4,428
$98
Average $103/hour
$111
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $230,274 $19,190 $4,428 $111
Average $214,618 $17,885 $4,127 $103
25th Percentile $203,807 $16,984 $3,919 $98

Research and Development Associate VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Associate VI

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development Associate VI, 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Research Manager $151,328 -29%
Research and Development Supervisor $114,402 -47%

Most common benefits for Research and Development Associate VI

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Research and Development Associate VI

Here are companies hiring for Research and Development Associate VI and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Research and Development Associate VI

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

A Research and Development Associate VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Research and Development Associate VI is $270,698.

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

The highest pay for Research and Development Associate VI is $244,528.

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

The lowest pay for Research and Development Associate VI is $193,964.

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

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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Research and Development Associate VI?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Research and Development Associate VI roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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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