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Research and Development Senior Manager Salary in California

How much does a Research and Development Senior Manager make in California?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Senior Manager in California is $195,991 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $257,052
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $168,522 to $227,953
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,513
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View as table View as graph 25% $168,522 10% $143,513 90% $257,052 75% $227,953 $195,991 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Senior Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $227,953 $18,996 $4,384 $110
Average $195,991 $16,333 $3,769 $94
25th Percentile $168,522 $14,043 $3,241 $81
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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Senior Manager Salaries

A Research and Development Senior 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 Senior Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and Development Senior 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 Supervisor (12+ years): $126,147
  • Research and Development Manager (12+ years): $160,185
  • Research and Development Senior Manager (12+ years): $195,991
  • Research and Development Director (12+ years): $225,908
  • VP of Research & Development (12+ years): $301,458
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Supervisor12+ years$126,147
Research and Development Manager12+ years$160,185
Research and Development Senior Manager12+ years$195,991
Research and Development Director12+ years$225,908
VP of Research & Development12+ years$301,458
$126,147 Research ...
$160,185 Research ...
$195,991 Research ...
$225,908 Research ...
$301,458 VP of Res...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Senior 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:

  • Los Angeles: $196,826
  • West Hollywood: $196,826
  • Dodgertown: $196,826

Research and Development Senior Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and Development Senior 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on March 01, 2026
$168,522
Average $195,991/year
$227,953
$14,043
Average $16,333/month
$18,996
$3,241
Average $3,769/week
$4,384
$81
Average $94/hour
$110
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $227,953 $18,996 $4,384 $110
Average $195,991 $16,333 $3,769 $94
25th Percentile $168,522 $14,043 $3,241 $81

Research and Development Senior Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

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

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development Senior 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 Senior Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Research Director $259,035 32%
Research and Development Director $225,908 15%

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