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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a R & D Manager in North Carolina is $138,010 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a R & D Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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R & D Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $149,280 | $12,440 | $2,871 | $72 |
| Average | $138,010 | $11,501 | $2,654 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,870 | $10,656 | $2,459 | $61 |
HUBER TECHNOLOGY LLC - Denver, NC
BestWay Rent To Own - Greensboro, NC
Alex Lee, Inc. - Jacksonville, NC
Lowes Foods - Winston-Salem, NC
A R & D Manager'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a R & D Manager'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| R & D Support Associate VI | 10-12 years | $203,941 |
| R & D Supervisor | 12+ years | $108,711 |
| R & D Manager | 12+ years | $138,006 |
| Product Research and Development Senior Manager | 12+ years | $168,895 |
| Product Research and Development Director | 12+ years | $194,649 |
What Am I Worth?
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 R & D Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
R & D Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,494. While startup companies pay approximate $130,698.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $130,698 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $138,229 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $149,192 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $154,494 |
For R & D Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, R & D Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view R & D Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $172,512 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $158,712 | $76.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $158,712 | $76.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $158,712 | $76.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $151,811 | $73.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a R & D Manager'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $149,280 | $12,440 | $2,871 | $72 |
| Average | $138,010 | $11,501 | $2,654 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,870 | $10,656 | $2,459 | $61 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a R & D Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Human Factors Engineering Senior Manager | $170,700 | 24% |
| Product Research and Development Senior Manager | $168,900 | 22% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current R & D Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Alex Lee, Inc.
Chapel Hill, NC
Alex Lee, Inc. | Chapel Hill, NC
Guest Service Manager. To gain the skills, knowledge, and expertise to be considered a successful Guest Service Manager. To supervise and ensure that every... more
3 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Cape Carteret, NC
Lowes Foods | Cape Carteret, NC
Lowes Foods - JobID: 133425 [Department Manager] As a Assistant Guest Service Manager at Lowes Foods, you'll: Supervise and delegate tasks to Team Members.... more
4 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Pinehurst, NC
Lowes Foods | Pinehurst, NC
Lowes Foods - JobID: 132933 [Department Manager] As a Assistant Guest Service Manager at Lowes Foods, you'll: Supervise and delegate tasks to Team Members.... more
4 Days Ago
Williams-Sonoma Inc.
Cary, NC
Williams-Sonoma Inc. | Cary, NC
Williams-Sonoma Inc. 20 Fenton Main Street - Responsibilities: Lead the store team to create an exceptional experience for customers and exceed sales goals... more
4 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Garner, NC
Lowes Foods | Garner, NC
Lowes Foods - 1845 Aversboro Road - Responsibilities: Maintain and enforce guest service standards. Supervise and train front porch hosts. Manage cash hand... more
4 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Winterville, NC
Lowes Foods | Winterville, NC
Guest Service Manager. To gain the skills, knowledge, and expertise to be considered a successful Guest Service Manager. To supervise and ensure that every... more
4 Days Ago
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