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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Associate Scientist in California is $93,380 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Senior Associate Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Associate Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $104,073 | $8,673 | $2,001 | $50 |
| Average | $93,380 | $7,782 | $1,796 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,987 | $7,082 | $1,634 | $41 |
Aragen Bioscience Inc - Morgan Hill, CA
Dualitas Therapeutics - South San Francisco, CA
Aragen Bioscience Inc - Morgan Hill, CA
System One - Fremont, CA
A Senior Associate Scientist'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.
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 Senior Associate Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Senior Associate Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Senior Associate Scientist positions in MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Associate Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $112,055 | $54.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $102,717 | $49.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Senior Associate Scientist'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $104,073 | $8,673 | $2,001 | $50 |
| Average | $93,380 | $7,782 | $1,796 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,987 | $7,082 | $1,634 | $41 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Associate Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Talnt
Carlsbad, CA
Talnt | Carlsbad, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Associate Scientist. Carlsbad, CA | Full-Time | On-Site. About the Role. We are seeking a highly motivated. Associate Sci... more
8 Days Ago
The Steely Group
Thousand Oaks, CA
The Steely Group | Thousand Oaks, CA
Job Description. Job Description. To perform experiments, organize data and analyze results under minimal supervision. With minimal supervision, plans, con... more
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BioPhase Solutions
Orange County, CA
BioPhase Solutions | Orange County, CA
Job Description. Job Description. BioPhase Solutions. specializes in recruiting top talented professionals for Southern California's Scientific community. ... more
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Aequor
Thousand Oaks, CA
Aequor | Thousand Oaks, CA
Job Title: Associate Scientist (Onsite Job in Thousand Oaks CA). Location: Thousand Oaks CA. Duration: 12 Months with possible extension. Terms: Contract W... more
9 Days Ago
Retro
Redwood City, CA
Retro | Redwood City, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to... more
7 Days Ago
River Partners
Chico, CA
River Partners | Chico, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Title. On Call. Restoration Biologist. Location. Modesto, Chico, Sacramento, or San Diego, CA. Status. Non-Exemp... more
6 Days Ago
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