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Research associate salary in San Francisco, CA

How much does a Research Associate make in San Francisco, CA?

Average base salary

$98,483
32%
above national average
Average $98,483
Low $58,976
High $164,458

The average salary for a research associate is $98,483 per year in San Francisco, CA. 59 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated September 18, 2026).

Research Associate job openings in San Francisco, CA

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Research Associate I - Theodor...
Gladstone Institutes3.8out of 5 stars.
San Francisco, CA
$28.35 - $32.67 an hour
Full-time
2 days ago

Highest paying companies for Research Associate in San Francisco, CA

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
MERCOR
 
$180,222per year
View company
Cornerstone Research
 
$155,300per year
EVERCORE
 
$142,500per year
BlackRock
 
$140,167per year
BlackRock
 
$136,625per year
Whatnot
 
$133,000per year

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Highest paying cities for Research Associates near San Francisco, CA

  1. San Francisco, CA
    $98,483 per year
  2. Foster City, CA
    $80,691 per year
  3. San Jose, CA
    $78,451 per year
  4. Santa Monica, CA
    $77,307 per year
  5. La Jolla, CA
    $71,189 per year

Where can a Research Associate earn more?

Compare salaries for Research Associates in different locations
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Research Associate

The average salary for a Research Associate is $98,483 per year in San Francisco, CA. This figure is based on 59 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on September 18, 2026.

Research Associate jobs on Indeed - find your next one today.

Research Associate salaries in San Francisco, CA typically range between a low of $58,976 and a high of $164,458 per year, depending on experience and the hiring company.

Some of the highest-paying cities for Research Associate in San Francisco, CA include Foster City, CA at $80,691 per year, San Jose, CA at $78,451 per year, and Santa Monica, CA at $77,307 per year.

Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Research Associate in San Francisco, CA include MERCOR ($180,222 per year) and Cornerstone Research ($155,300 per year).

Compensation can vary based on the specific niche and level of responsibility within the field. Here is how the average Research Associate salary in San Francisco, CA compares to related positions:

  • Junior Research Associate: Average $90,164 per year
  • Senior Research Associate: Average $80,768 per year

How much do similar professions as Research Associate get paid in San Francisco, CA?

Junior Research Associate

Job openings
Average $90,164 per year

Senior Research Associate

Job openings
Average $80,768 per year