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Associate Director of Policy and Research Salary in the United States

How much does an Associate Director of Policy and Research make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Director of Policy and Research in the United States is $71,299 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, an Associate Director of Policy and Research's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,695
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,401 to $78,834
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,122
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Director of Policy and Research Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Associate Director of Policy and Research Salaries

An Associate Director of Policy and Research'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 Associate Director of Policy and Research Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Director of Policy and Research'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): $93,121
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $60,264
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $69,729
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $99,038
  • Expert (over 8 years): $106,977
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Staff Nurse - RN - Research less than 1 year $93,121
Clinical Research Associate I 1-2 years $60,264
Associate Director of Policy and Research 2-4 years $69,729
Scientist - Clinical Research 5-8 years $99,038
Clinical Research Manager over 8 years $106,977

How Do Associate Director of Policy and Research 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 Associate Director of Policy and Researches. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $78,942.
  • California: $78,642.
  • Massachusetts: $77,594.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Director of Policy and Research

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: $89,929
  • San Francisco: $88,944
  • Oakland: $87,070

Associate Director of Policy and Research Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Director of Policy and Research roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Associate Director of Policy and Research positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Director of Policy and Research as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Associate Director of Policy and Research

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $85,558 $41.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $78,429 $38.0 10%

How Education impacts an Associate Director of Policy and Research's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Director of Policy and Research professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Associate Director of Policy and Research with a Bachelor's is between $75,613 and $81,432.

Associate Director of Policy and Research Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Associate Director of Policy and Research
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 1.8%
High School 1.8%
Associate's Degree 4.3%
Bachelor's Degree 57.4%
Master's Degree or MBA 29.4%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 6.7%
View as Graph

Associate Director of Policy and Research Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Director of Policy and Research'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
$64,401
Average $71,299/year
$78,834
$5,367
Average $5,942/month
$6,570
$1,238
Average $1,371/week
$1,516
$31
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,834 $6,570 $1,516 $38
Average $71,299 $5,942 $1,371 $34
25th Percentile $64,401 $5,367 $1,238 $31

Most common benefits for Associate Director of Policy and Research

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

Common company salaries for Associate Director of Policy and Research

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

Find Your Next Associate Director of Policy and Research Job

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

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FAQ about Associate Director of Policy and Research

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Associate Director of Policy and Research?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Director of Policy and Research roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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