As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Scientist in San Carlos, CA is $176,216 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.
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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.04% |
| Immunology | 3.3% |
| Drug Discovery | 1.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oncology
|
$186,789 |
6%
|
|
Immunology
|
$185,027 |
5%
|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$185,027 |
5%
|
|
Cell Biology
|
$183,265 |
4%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$181,503 |
3%
|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$181,503 |
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 | $264,324 | $127.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $229,081 | $110.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $211,460 | $102.0 | 20% |
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 September 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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