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Research and Development Supervisor Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Supervisor in the United States is $114,402 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $134,068
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $103,466 to $124,696
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,509
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Supervisor Salaries

A Research and Development 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.

How Experience Level Affects Research and Development Supervisor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and Development 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:

  • Research and Development Associate V (7-10 years): $160,443
  • Research and Development Associate VI (10-12 years): $214,618
  • Research and Development Supervisor (12+ years): $114,402
  • Research and Development Manager (12+ years): $145,223
  • Research and Development Senior Manager (12+ years): $177,733
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$160,443
Research and Development Associate VI10-12 years$214,618
Research and Development Supervisor12+ years$114,402
Research and Development Manager12+ years$145,223
Research and Development Senior Manager12+ years$177,733
View as Graph

How Do Research and Development Supervisor 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 Supervisors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $126,666.
  • California: $126,185.
  • Massachusetts: $124,504.

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Supervisors

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: $144,295
  • San Francisco: $142,715
  • Oakland: $139,708

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

Research and Development Supervisor salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $127,849. While startup companies pay approximate $108,147.

Research and Development Supervisor Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $108,147
Growth Stage 51~500 $114,377
Established 501~5000 $123,455
Enterprise 5000+ $127,849

Research and Development Supervisor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Research and Development 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, Research and Development Supervisor positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research and Development Supervisor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Research and Development Supervisor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$143,002$69.025%
Pharmaceuticals$137,282$66.020%
Financial Services$131,562$63.015%
Internet$128,130$62.012%
Biotechnology$125,842$61.010%

How Education impacts a Research and Development Supervisor's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research and Development Supervisor enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Research and Development Supervisor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $112,229 and $122,229.

Research and Development Supervisor Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Research and Development Supervisor
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%
View as Graph

Research and Development Supervisor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and Development 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 September 01, 2026
$103,466
Average $114,402/year
$124,696
$8,622
Average $9,534/month
$10,391
$1,990
Average $2,200/week
$2,398
$50
Average $55/hour
$60
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $124,696 $10,391 $2,398 $60
Average $114,402 $9,534 $2,200 $55
25th Percentile $103,466 $8,622 $1,990 $50

Research and Development Supervisor Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Supervisor

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development 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 Research Manager $151,328 32%
Research and Development Manager $145,223 27%

Most common benefits for Research and Development Supervisor

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Research and Development Supervisor

Here are companies hiring for Research and Development Supervisor and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Research and Development Supervisor

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

A Research and Development Supervisor'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 Supervisor earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Research and Development Supervisor is $144,295.

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

The highest pay for Research and Development Supervisor is $134,068.

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

The lowest pay for Research and Development Supervisor is $93,509.

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

Supervises activities in the research and development function of an organization. Oversees and enables the development or improvement of products, components, technologies, or processes. Utilizes mathematical and scientific frameworks to compile and analyze data. Documents research and development methodologies and ensures adherence to scientific, engineering, and industry standards. Writes technical reports detailing procedures, outcomes, and observations. Conducts prototype testing to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with internal and external standards, regulations, and requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Research and Development Supervisor?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Research and Development Supervisor roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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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