How Much Does a R&D Associate make?

R&D Associate made a median salary around $72,506 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $80,767 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $63,800. 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.
Check out R&D Associate jobs in Waterloo, Iowa

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Kelly Services - Waukee, IA

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Best-Paying Cities for R&D Associate

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the R&D Associate profession are Buffalo Center , Carpenter , Chester , Grafton , Joice .
Buffalo Center, IA $77,075
Carpenter, IA $77,075
Chester, IA $77,075
Grafton, IA $77,075
Joice, IA $77,075

Best-Paying States for R&D Associate

The states and districts that pay R&D Associate the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $85,896) , California (around $85,570) , Massachusetts (around $84,430) , Washington (around $84,119) , and New Jersey (around $84,088) .
District of Columbia $85,896
California $85,570
Massachusetts $84,430
Washington $84,119
New Jersey $84,088

What is the Career Path of R&D Associate?

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 R&D Associate, the first career path typically starts with a Human Factors Researcher II position , and then progresses to Human Factors Researcher III.

The second career path typically progresses to Research and Development Engineer.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with a Research and Development Associate II position , and then progresses to SVP of Research & Development.

Besides, R&D Associate can also turn to other related jobs, including R&D Executive , R&D Engineer , R&D Scientist and R&D Technician .

Frequently Asked Questions for R&D Associate

Q: What is the salary range of R&D Associate in Waterloo, IA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid R&D Associate in Waterloo, IA earned an average annual salary of $63,800 , while the highest-paid made $80,767.
Q: What is the salary for a R&D Associate in California?
A: R&D Associate employed in California earned an average salary of $85,570 in 2025.

Average R&D Associate Pay vs. Other Jobs

R&D Associate earned an average salary of $72,506 in 2025. Other jobs related to R&D Associate earned the following average salary in April, 2025. R&D Executive made $279,090 , R&D Engineer made $115,751 , R&D Scientist and R&D Technician made $97,073 and $106,700 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of R&D Associate

R&D Executive - Average Salary $279,090
The R&D Executive leads research efforts to identify new technologies and other scientific concepts that can be used to improve current product offerings or create new products and services. Plans and directs all research and development policies, objectives, and initiatives for a division. Being an R&D Executive requires a bachelor's degree. Evaluates and recommends ideas for new products that may enhance the organization's competitive position and achieve growth in revenue and/or market share. In addition, R&D Executive typically reports to top management. The R&D Executive manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Working as an R&D Executive typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.
R&D Engineer - Average Salary $115,751
There is currently no job description for R&D Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for R&D Engineer.
R&D Scientist - Average Salary $97,073
There is currently no job description for R&D Scientist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for R&D Scientist.
R&D Technician - Average Salary $106,700
An R&D (Research and Development) Technician is responsible for assisting in the development and testing of new products, processes, and technologies. They work closely with engineers and scientists to conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the research and development process. R&D Technicians may also be involved in maintaining laboratory equipment, preparing samples, and documenting experimental procedures and results. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team are essential for success in this role.
R&d Engineer - Average Salary $113,661
There is currently no job description for R&d Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for R&d Engineer.