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Research and Development Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Research and Development Manager make in the United States?

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Manager in the United States is $145,225 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.

However, a Research and Development Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $167,873
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $134,549 to $157,080
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $124,829
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View as table View as graph 25% $134,549 10% $124,829 90% $167,873 75% $157,080 $145,225 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $157,080 $13,090 $3,021 $76
Average $145,225 $12,102 $2,793 $70
25th Percentile $134,549 $11,212 $2,587 $65
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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Manager Salaries

A Research and Development 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Research and Development Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and Development 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:

  • Research and Development Associate VI (10-12 years): $214,586
  • Research and Development Supervisor (12+ years): $114,384
  • Research and Development Manager (12+ years): $145,225
  • Research and Development Senior Manager (12+ years): $177,713
  • Research and Development Director (12+ years): $204,822
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate VI10-12 years$214,586
Research and Development Supervisor12+ years$114,384
Research and Development Manager12+ years$145,225
Research and Development Senior Manager12+ years$177,713
Research and Development Director12+ years$204,822
$214,586 Research ...
$114,384 Research ...
$145,225 Research ...
$177,713 Research ...
$204,822 Research ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Managers

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: $183,172
  • San Francisco: $181,167
  • Oakland: $177,349

What Skills Can Increase a Research and Development Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 10.36% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Economics (Mentioned in 1.54% Job Postings): Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and analyzes the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make to allocate resources.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 1.28% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 10.36%
Economics 1.54%
PowerPoint 1.28%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Research and Development Manager's salary.
  • People Management: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • New Product Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
People Management
 $156,843
8%
New Product Development
 $152,486
5%
Coaching
 $152,486
5%
Flexibility
 $152,486
5%
Innovation
 $151,034
4%
Tableau
 $151,034
4%
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How Education impacts a Research and Development Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research and Development Managers enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Research and Development Manager with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $150,727 and $159,635).

Research and Development Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Research and Development Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.4%
High School 1.4%
Associates 2.0%
Bachelors 21.5%
Masters 27.2%
Doctorate 47.9%
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Research and Development Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and Development 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on June 01, 2026
$134,549
Average $145,225/year
$157,080
$11,212
Average $12,102/month
$13,090
$2,587
Average $2,793/week
$3,021
$65
Average $70/hour
$76
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $157,080 $13,090 $3,021 $76
Average $145,225 $12,102 $2,793 $70
25th Percentile $134,549 $11,212 $2,587 $65

Research and Development Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Manager
Human Factors Research Senior Manager
Research and Development Senior Manager
Human Factors Research Director
SVP of Research & Development

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development 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.

Research and Development Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Research Senior Manager $179,599 24%
Research and Development Senior Manager $177,713 22%

Salaries of jobs related to Research and Development Manager

Salary Trends for Research and Development Manager

Salaries for a Research and Development Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $149,616 in 2023 to around $147,937 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research and Development Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Research and Development Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$149,616
2024
$150,286
2025
$147,937
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $149,616
2024 $150,286
2025 $147,937
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Research and Development Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Research and Development Manager

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FAQ about Research and Development Manager

1. Where can a Research and Development Manager earn the most?

A Research and Development Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Research and Development Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Research and Development Manager is $183,172.

2. What is the highest pay for Research and Development Manager?

The highest pay for Research and Development Manager is $167,873.

3. What is the lowest pay for Research and Development Manager?

The lowest pay for Research and Development Manager is $124,829.

4. What are the responsibilities of Research and Development Manager?

Manages the research and development programs to meet organizational needs and capitalize on potential new products. Implements research and development procedures and techniques to ensure consistent methods, documentation, and testing. Assesses the scope of research projects and ensures they are on time and within budget. Oversees complex research projects, analyzes results, and provides recommendations based on findings. May require a master's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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