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Business Development Associate Salary in California

How much does a Business Development Associate make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Business Development Associate in California is $112,954 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $138,165
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $102,741 to $126,150
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,442
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Business Development Associate Salaries

A Business Development Associate'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 Business Development Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Business Development Associate'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $72,461
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $86,353
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $111,983
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $147,549
  • Expert (over 8 years): $189,273
Levels Salary
Business ... Level Business Development Associate$72,461
Business ... Level Business Development Associate$86,353
Business ... Level Business Development Associate$111,983
Business ... Level Business Development Associate$147,549
Business ... Level Business Development Associate$189,273
View as Graph

How Do Business Development Associate 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 Business Development Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $113,384.
  • California: $112,954.
  • Massachusetts: $111,448.

Top Paying Cities for Business Development Associates

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:

  • Los Angeles: $113,148
  • West Hollywood: $113,066
  • Dodgertown: $113,147

Business Development Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Business Development Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Business Development Associate positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Business Development Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Business Development Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$135,545$65.020%
Software & Networking$135,545$65.020%
Internet$129,897$62.015%
Pharmaceuticals$129,897$62.015%
Chemicals$124,249$60.010%

Business Development Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Business Development Associate'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
$102,741
Average $112,954/year
$126,150
$8,562
Average $9,413/month
$10,513
$1,976
Average $2,172/week
$2,426
$49
Average $54/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $126,150 $10,513 $2,426 $61
Average $112,954 $9,413 $2,172 $54
25th Percentile $102,741 $8,562 $1,976 $49

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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