How much does an Associate make?

The average salary for an Associate is $88,962 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 139003 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Associate employees in United States.

The highest salary for an Associate in United States is $119,099 per year.

The lowest salary for an Associate in United States is $66,752 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Associate or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Associate.

Associate pay ranges widely, reflecting the range of positions that can fall under the umbrella term. Associates in fields with high barriers to entry, such as law, are generally paid higher salaries than those in fields with lower barriers to entry, such as customer sales associates. Associate pay will generally jump once they are promoted into a position above associate. For instance, an associate attorney may become a partner or an associate professor may become a full professor.

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When it comes to associate salary satisfaction, 69% of professionals on Glassdoor consider themselves satisfied. Some perks of the job include flexible scheduling, full benefits, and the opportunity to earn about $8,063.57 in additional income every year through avenues including tips, profit sharing, and bonuses.

If you follow the average associate career path, your income will likely increase as you gain experience in the role. Factors including industry, tips, and location also impact your salary as an associate. In general, however, expect earnings ranging between $51,597.90 and $154,333.92, with average annual pay of $88,961.89. If you remain in the field, you could become a senior associate and earn more money.

The path toward earning more as an associate depends on where you're located and the industry you're working in. Do you work for a local retailer or a nationwide chain? Are you in an affordable shop or a high-end boutique? A large metropolitan area or a rural community? In these cases, the latter generally pays higher, and you can often land a higher associate salary by relocating or switching industries. Plus, many roles offer the opportunity to earn tips and/or commission in addition to your associate salary. Not every position offers this, so be sure to actively seek out these lucrative associate roles as you garner more on-the-job experience.

Associate salaries generally fall within a pre-determined range, so bargaining for a higher salary can be difficult. Your best chances to score involve speaking up first, whether you're responding to a job offer or making a salary request. You can reasonably ask for 10 to 15% above the number given, but you'll need to back up your claim with evidence, such as positive customer reviews or sales numbers. If your employer won't give you the full 15%, they'll likely meet you in the middle when you factor in benefits, such as vacation time, flexible scheduling, and health insurance. Bargaining in associate roles always extends beyond salary, so include perks too.