How Much Does an Associate Director or Research Principal make?

Associate Director or Research Principal made a median salary around $212,084 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $239,531 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $186,806. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $186,806 10% $163,791 90% $264,520 75% $239,531 $212,084 50%(Median)
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Associate Director or Research Principal

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Associate Director or Research Principal profession are Scottdale , Smyrna , Tucker , Atlanta , Avondale Estates .
Scottdale, GA $230,957
Smyrna, GA $230,957
Tucker, GA $230,957
Atlanta, GA $230,957
Avondale Estates, GA $230,957

Best-Paying States for Associate Director or Research Principal

The states and districts that pay Associate Director or Research Principal the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $262,569) , California (around $260,210) , New Jersey (around $258,559) , Alaska (around $256,907) , and Massachusetts (around $256,671) .
District of Columbia $262,569
California $260,210
New Jersey $258,559
Alaska $256,907
Massachusetts $256,671

What is the Career Path of Associate Director or Research Principal?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Associate Director or Research Principal, the upper level is VP of Research & Development , and then progresses to SVP of Research & Development
Besides, Associate Director or Research Principal can also turn to other related jobs, including Principal Research Associate , Principal Clinical Research Associate , Associate Research Director and Associate Director, Clinical Research .

Frequently Asked Questions for Associate Director or Research Principal

Q: What is the salary range of Associate Director or Research Principal in Macon, GA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Associate Director or Research Principal in Macon, GA earned an average annual salary of $186,806 , while the highest-paid made $239,531.
Q: What is the salary for an Associate Director or Research Principal in California?
A: Associate Director or Research Principal employed in California earned an average salary of $260,210 in 2025.

Average Associate Director or Research Principal Pay vs. Other Jobs

Associate Director or Research Principal earned an average salary of $212,084 in 2025. Other jobs related to Associate Director or Research Principal earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Principal Research Associate made $149,735 , Principal Clinical Research Associate made $60,280 , Associate Research Director and Associate Director, Clinical Research made $144,831 and $147,489 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Associate Director or Research Principal

Principal Research Associate - Average Salary $149,735
There is currently no job description for Principal Research Associate, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Principal Research Associate.
Principal Clinical Research Associate - Average Salary $60,280
There is currently no job description for Principal Clinical Research Associate, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Principal Clinical Research Associate.
Associate Research Director - Average Salary $144,831
There is currently no job description for Associate Research Director, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Research Director.
Associate Director, Clinical Research - Average Salary $147,489
There is currently no job description for Associate Director, Clinical Research, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Director, Clinical Research.
Associate Director for Research Compliance - Average Salary $182,807
There is currently no job description for Associate Director for Research Compliance, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Director for Research Compliance.