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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 July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Senior Manager in California is $196,027 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): $250,550
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $168,664 to $224,566
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,751
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View as table View as graph 25% $168,664 10% $143,751 90% $250,550 75% $224,566 $196,027 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 $224,566 $18,714 $4,319 $108
Average $196,027 $16,336 $3,770 $94
25th Percentile $168,664 $14,055 $3,244 $81
Check out Research and Development Senior Manager Job Openings in California
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Rafiki Coalition - Potrero Hill, CA

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Rafiki Coalition - San Francisco, CA

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Jobot - Sunnyvale, CA

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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): $126,172
  • Research and Development Manager (12+ years): $160,182
  • Research and Development Senior Manager (12+ years): $196,027
  • Research and Development Director (12+ years): $225,922
  • VP of Research & Development (12+ years): $301,663
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Supervisor12+ years$126,172
Research and Development Manager12+ years$160,182
Research and Development Senior Manager12+ years$196,027
Research and Development Director12+ years$225,922
VP of Research & Development12+ years$301,663
$126,172 Research ...
$160,182 Research ...
$196,027 Research ...
$225,922 Research ...
$301,663 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: $196,365
  • West Hollywood: $196,223
  • Dodgertown: $196,363

Research and Development Senior Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Research and Development Senior Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,255. While startup companies pay approximate $185,424.

Research and Development Senior Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$185,424
Growth Stage51~500$196,115
Established501~5000$211,733
Enterprise5000+$219,255

Research and Development Senior Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Research and Development Senior 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 Hospitality & Leisure and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Research and Development Senior Manager positions in Healthcare or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research and Development Senior Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Research and Development Senior Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Hospitality & Leisure$245,034$118.025%
Construction$235,233$113.020%
Energy & Utilities$225,431$108.015%
Aerospace & Defense$215,630$104.010%
Pharmaceuticals$215,630$104.010%

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 July 01, 2026
$168,664
Average $196,027/year
$224,566
$14,055
Average $16,336/month
$18,714
$3,244
Average $3,770/week
$4,319
$81
Average $94/hour
$108
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $224,566 $18,714 $4,319 $108
Average $196,027 $16,336 $3,770 $94
25th Percentile $168,664 $14,055 $3,244 $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 $230,979 18%
Research and Development Director $225,922 15%

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