What are the main factors that influence a Research and Development Manager's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Research and Development Manager's salary?

A Research and Development Manager's salary grows with experience: a Research and Development Associate VI (10-12 years)earns $237,565, a Research and Development Supervisor (12+ years)earns $126,633, a Research and Development Manager (12+ years)earns $160,794, a Research and Development Senior Manager (12+ years)earns $196,751, a Research and Development Director (12+ years)earns $226,771,

What are the highest paying states for a Research and Development Manager?

Research and Development Manager salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Research and Development Manager roles are District of Columbia $160,794, California $160,184, Massachusetts $158,049. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Research and Development Manager roles make?

Salaries for Research and Development Manager level roles vary by specialization: Research and Development Senior Manager: $177,701; Project Manager, Research & Development: $148,723; Product Research and Development Manager: $145,300; Research Development Manager: $142,812; Research and Development Associate IV: $131,386.

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Research and Development Manager Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Research and Development Manager make in District of Columbia?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Manager in District of Columbia is $160,794 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $185,775
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $148,975 to $173,870
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $138,214

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Research and Development Manager Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$173,870	$14,489	$3,344	$84
Average	$160,794	$13,400	$3,092	$77
25th Percentile	$148,975	$12,415	$2,865	$72

You may get higher pay by adjusting the following factors:

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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 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): $237,565
Research and Development Supervisor (12+ years): $126,633
Research and Development Manager (12+ years): $160,794
Research and Development Senior Manager (12+ years): $196,751
Research and Development Director (12+ years): $226,771

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Research and Development Associate VI	10-12 years	$237,565
Research and Development Supervisor	12+ years	$126,633
Research and Development Manager	12+ years	$160,794
Research and Development Senior Manager	12+ years	$196,751
Research and Development Director	12+ years	$226,771

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What Am I Worth?

How Do Research and Development Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Research and Development Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $160,794.
California: $160,184.
Massachusetts: $158,049.

District of Columbia $160,794 California $160,184 Massachusetts $158,049 Washington $157,469 New Jersey $157,410 Alaska $157,207 Connecticut $155,203 New York $154,390

Hawaii $151,790 Rhode Island $150,570 Maryland $149,743 Minnesota $148,610 Colorado $148,174 Illinois $148,029 Oregon $147,477 Delaware $147,070

New Hampshire $146,815 Virginia $146,243 Pennsylvania $144,572 Nevada $143,730 North Dakota $143,454 Michigan $143,019 Wisconsin $142,859 Vermont $142,539

Texas $141,653 Maine $141,595 Arizona $141,508 Ohio $141,407 Georgia $140,070 Indiana $139,402 Wyoming $139,272 Utah $139,068

Iowa $138,981 Kansas $138,284 Louisiana $138,081 North Carolina $138,008 Missouri $137,979 Florida $137,413 Montana $137,108 Nebraska $136,817

Kentucky $136,658 South Carolina $136,077 Tennessee $135,714 Idaho $135,568 New Mexico $134,508 Oklahoma $134,276 Alabama $133,419 South Dakota $131,981

Arkansas $131,197 West Virginia $130,776 Mississippi $129,513

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:

Parcel Return Service: $160,794
Washington: $160,794
Naval Anacost Annex: $160,794

Parcel Return Service, DC $160,794 Washington, DC $160,794 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $160,794 Washington Navy Yard, DC $160,794

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.

Last Updated on April 01, 2026

$148,975

Average $160,794/year

$173,870

$12,415

Average $13,400/month

$14,489

$2,865

Average $3,092/week

$3,344

$72

Average $77/hour

$84

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$173,870	$14,489	$3,344	$84
Average	$160,794	$13,400	$3,092	$77
25th Percentile	$148,975	$12,415	$2,865	$72

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	$227,085	41%
Research and Development Senior Manager	$196,751	22%

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