Associate Biologist/Ecologist Salary in California

How much does an Associate Biologist/Ecologist make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Biologist/Ecologist in California is $64,149 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, an Associate Biologist/Ecologist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,276
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,449 to $69,973
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,259

Key Factors That Influence Associate Biologist/Ecologist Salaries

An Associate Biologist/Ecologist'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 Associate Biologist/Ecologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Biologist/Ecologist'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): $62,935
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $70,091
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $94,296
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $74,343
  • Expert (over 8 years): $123,615
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Associate Biologist/Ecologist less than 1 year $62,935
Fraud Prevention Analyst II 1-2 years $70,091
Fraud Prevention Analyst III 2-4 years $94,296
Fraud Prevention Supervisor 5-8 years $74,343
Fraud Prevention Manager over 8 years $123,615

Top Paying Cities for Associate Biologist/Ecologist

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: $64,259
  • West Hollywood: $64,213
  • Dodgertown: $64,259

Associate Biologist/Ecologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Biologist/Ecologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Retail & Wholesale sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Associate Biologist/Ecologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Biologist/Ecologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Associate Biologist/Ecologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $89,808 $43.0 40%

Associate Biologist/Ecologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Biologist/Ecologist'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
$58,449
Average $64,149/year
$69,973
$4,871
Average $5,346/month
$5,831
$1,124
Average $1,234/week
$1,346
$28
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $69,973 $5,831 $1,346 $34
Average $64,149 $5,346 $1,234 $31
25th Percentile $58,449 $4,871 $1,124 $28

Find Your Next Associate Biologist/Ecologist Job

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

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