As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Scientist in the United States is $143,538 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, an Associate Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An 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, education 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 Associate Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.04% |
| Immunology | 3.3% |
| Drug Discovery | 1.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oncology
|
$152,150 |
6%
|
|
Immunology
|
$150,715 |
5%
|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$150,715 |
5%
|
|
Cell Biology
|
$149,280 |
4%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$147,844 |
3%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$147,844 |
3%
|
For Associate Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Associate Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $215,307 | $104.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $186,599 | $90.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $172,246 | $83.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Scientists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Associate Scientist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $147,037 and $155,559).
Associate Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.2% |
| Associates | 0.2% |
| Bachelors | 6.6% |
| Masters | 8.6% |
| Doctorate | 84.4% |
Understanding how an 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Associate Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,911 in 2023 to around $110,226 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $111,911 |
| 2024 | $110,678 |
| 2025 | $110,226 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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