Animal Research Associate Salary in the United States

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $190,689
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $133,416 to $170,515
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $119,813

Key Factors That Influence Animal Research Associate Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Animal Research Associate Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $137,420
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $138,473
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $140,580
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $143,741
  • Expert (over 8 years): $151,435
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage 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

Top Paying Cities for Animal Research Associate

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:

  • San Jose: $187,123
  • San Francisco: $185,074
  • Oakland: $181,174

Animal Research Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Animal Research Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Pharmaceuticals, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Animal Research Associate positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Animal Research Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Animal Research Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $163,193 $78.0 10%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $155,775 $75.0 5%

How Education impacts an Animal Research Associate's Salary?

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.

Animal Research Associate Salaries by Degree Level

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%

Animal Research Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$133,416
Average $148,357/year
$170,515
$11,118
Average $12,363/month
$14,210
$2,566
Average $2,853/week
$3,279
$64
Average $71/hour
$82
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

Most common benefits for Animal Research Associate

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Animal Research Associate

Here are companies hiring for Animal Research Associate and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Animal Research Associate Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Animal Research Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Nationwide Childrens Hospital | Columbus, OH

    Nationwide Childrens Hospital | Columbus, OH

    Associate Division Director For Research. The Division of Pulmonary, Sleep, and Cystic Fibrosis at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Department of Ped... more

    4 Days Ago

  • The Ohio State University | Columbus, OH

    The Ohio State University | Columbus, OH

    Screen reader users may encounter difficulty with this site. For assistance with applying, please contact hr-accessibleapplication@osu.edu. If you have que... more

    6 Days Ago

  • KreilKamp Trucking | Columbus, OH

    KreilKamp Trucking | Columbus, OH

    Regional CDL A Drivers | NEW Grads Welcome | Earn $70,000+ Annually. We're proud to be a 4th generation family truck line, started in 1935, but even proude... more

    4 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Pedi... more

    5 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $12 - $22/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Chip... more

    7 Days Ago

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FAQ about Animal Research Associate

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Animal Research Associate?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Animal Research Associate roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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