Research Associate
Nationwide Childrens Hospital – Columbus, OH
How much does an Animal Research Associate make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animal Research Associate in the United States is $148,357 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, an Animal Research Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Animal Research Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $170,515 | $14,210 | $3,279 | $82 |
| Average | $148,357 | $12,363 | $2,853 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,416 | $11,118 | $2,566 | $64 |
Research Associate
Nationwide Childrens Hospital – Columbus, OH
Research Senior Associate
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center – Columbus, OH
Research Senior Associate
The Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
Associate Vice President National Security and Space Research and Innovation
The Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
An Animal Research 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Animal Research 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Animal Research Associate | less than 1 year | $137,420 |
| Early Career Level Animal Research Associate | 1-2 years | $138,473 |
| Mid-Level Level Animal Research Associate | 2-4 years | $140,580 |
| Senior-Level Level Animal Research Associate | 5-8 years | $143,741 |
| Expert Level Animal Research Associate | over 8 years | $151,435 |
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 Animal Research Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Animal Research Associate professionals enter the field with a Doctoral 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 Animal Research Associate with a Doctoral is between $131,625 and $145,979.
| Typical Education for Animal Research Associate | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 6.2% |
| High School | 12.7% |
| Associate's Degree | 10.5% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 16.4% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 15.8% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 38.4% |
Understanding how an Animal Research 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $170,515 | $14,210 | $3,279 | $82 |
| Average | $148,357 | $12,363 | $2,853 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,416 | $11,118 | $2,566 | $64 |
Salaries for an Animal Research Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $130,552 in 2023 to around $128,577 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Animal Research Associate salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $130,552 |
| 2024 | $131,303 |
| 2025 | $128,577 |
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Animal Research Associate roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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