As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a R & D Supervisor in the United States is $114,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a R & D Supervisor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A R & D Supervisor'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a R & D Supervisor'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 V | 7-10 years | $160,447 |
| R & D Support Associate VI | 10-12 years | $214,596 |
| R & D Supervisor | 12+ years | $114,390 |
| Product Research and Development Manager | 12+ years | $145,224 |
| Product Research and Development Senior Manager | 12+ years | $177,722 |
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 Supervisors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
R & D Supervisor salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $127,944. While startup companies pay approximate $108,203.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $108,203 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $114,441 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $123,555 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $127,944 |
For R & D Supervisor 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 Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, R & D Supervisor positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view R & D Supervisor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $142,988 | $69.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $137,268 | $66.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $131,548 | $63.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $128,117 | $62.0 | 12% |
| Biotechnology | $125,829 | $60.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many R & D Supervisors enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a R & D Supervisor with a Associate's Degree is between $110,190 and $120,041).
R & D Supervisor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.9% |
| High School | 1.9% |
| Associates | 1.9% |
| Bachelors | 20.8% |
| Masters | 28.3% |
| Doctorate | 47.2% |
Understanding how a R & D Supervisor'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a R & D Supervisor, 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 Manager | $151,400 | 32% |
| Product Research and Development Manager | $145,300 | 27% |
Salaries for a R & D Supervisor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $94,313 in 2023 to around $91,115 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of R & D Supervisor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $94,313 |
| 2024 | $93,037 |
| 2025 | $91,115 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for R & D Supervisor roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
R&D is indeed a promising career choice, especially given its lucrative salary range. With a minimum salary of $106,770, a mid-range of $122,420, and a maximum of $139,980, it reflects the high demand for innovation. India's growth in innovation centers further emphasizes the value of R&D roles, making it a secure and rewarding field to pursue.
Non-profit research directors typically earn between $106,770 and $139,980, with a median salary around $122,420. They manage multiple research projects, coordinate with teams, and support senior leadership in setting strategic goals for research initiatives.
The highest salary that an R&D Supervisor can earn is $139,980 per year, which translates to approximately $11,665 per month.
Yes, R&D salaries are included as qualifying research expenses if employees dedicate at least 80% of their time to R&D activities. For an R&D Supervisor, salaries range from $106,770 to $139,980, with a midpoint of $122,420, making these wages eligible for consideration in R&D tax credits and incentives.
R&D jobs can offer competitive salaries. For an R&D Supervisor, the salary ranges from a minimum of $106,770 to a maximum of $139,980, with a mid-salary of $122,420. This indicates that R&D positions can be quite lucrative, especially at higher levels of responsibility.
As of January 27, 2025, the salary for an R&D Supervisor in the United States ranges from $106,770 to $139,980 annually, with a mid-salary of $122,420. This translates to approximately $51.31 to $67.31 per hour, or $2,206 to $2,692 per week, and $9,227 to $11,167 per month.
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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