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Assistant Research and Development Engineer Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Research and Development Engineer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Research and Development Engineer in California is $132,546 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.

However, an Assistant Research and Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $155,239
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $122,908 to $144,425
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $114,133
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Research and Development Engineer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Research and Development Engineer Salaries

An Assistant Research and Development Engineer'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 Assistant Research and Development Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Research and Development Engineer'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): $126,855
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $127,147
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $128,317
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $133,371
  • Expert (over 8 years): $135,845
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Assistant Research and Development Engineer less than 1 year $126,855
Early Career Level Assistant Research and Development Engineer 1-2 years $127,147
Mid-Level Level Assistant Research and Development Engineer 2-4 years $128,317
Senior-Level Level Assistant Research and Development Engineer 5-8 years $133,371
Expert Level Assistant Research and Development Engineer over 8 years $135,845

How Do Assistant Research and Development Engineer 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 Assistant Research and Development Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $133,051.
  • California: $132,546.
  • Massachusetts: $130,780.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Research and Development Engineer

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: $132,775
  • West Hollywood: $132,679
  • Dodgertown: $132,774

Assistant Research and Development Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Research and Development Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Research and Development Engineer positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Research and Development Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Assistant Research and Development Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $198,820 $96.0 50%

Assistant Research and Development Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Research and Development Engineer'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$122,908
Average $132,546/year
$144,425
$10,242
Average $11,046/month
$12,035
$2,364
Average $2,549/week
$2,777
$59
Average $64/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $144,425 $12,035 $2,777 $69
Average $132,546 $11,046 $2,549 $64
25th Percentile $122,908 $10,242 $2,364 $59

Find Your Next Assistant Research and Development Engineer Job

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

  • Arbor Research | ANN ARBOR, MI

    Systems Engineer

    Arbor Research | ANN ARBOR, MI

    Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities Establish business, functional, and quality assurance requirements and standards, and review technical requireme... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Capstone Research Corporation | ARLINGTON, TX

    Senior Engineer

    Capstone Research Corporation | ARLINGTON, TX

    Senior Engineer Capstone Research Corporation is seeking to expand our team. Capstone Research Corporation is headquartered in Huntsville Alabama. We are a... more

    6 Days Ago

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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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