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Research and Development Supervisor Salary in California

How much does a Research and Development Supervisor make in California?

As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Supervisor in California is $126,139 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $147,879
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $114,078 to $137,519
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $103,097
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View as table View as graph 25% $114,078 10% $103,097 90% $147,879 75% $137,519 $126,139 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Supervisor Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $137,519 $11,460 $2,645 $66
Average $126,139 $10,512 $2,426 $61
25th Percentile $114,078 $9,506 $2,194 $55
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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 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): $176,979
  • Research and Development Associate VI (10-12 years): $236,640
  • Research and Development Supervisor (12+ years): $126,139
  • Research and Development Manager (12+ years): $160,186
  • Research and Development Senior Manager (12+ years): $195,985
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Research and Development Associate V7-10 years$176,979
Research and Development Associate VI10-12 years$236,640
Research and Development Supervisor12+ years$126,139
Research and Development Manager12+ years$160,186
Research and Development Senior Manager12+ years$195,985
$176,979 Research ...
$236,640 Research ...
$126,139 Research ...
$160,186 Research ...
$195,985 Research ...
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What Am I Worth?

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:

  • Los Angeles: $126,677
  • West Hollywood: $126,677
  • Dodgertown: $126,677

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on February 01, 2026
$114,078
Average $126,139/year
$137,519
$9,506
Average $10,512/month
$11,460
$2,194
Average $2,426/week
$2,645
$55
Average $61/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $137,519 $11,460 $2,645 $66
Average $126,139 $10,512 $2,426 $61
25th Percentile $114,078 $9,506 $2,194 $55

Research and Development Supervisor Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Supervisor
Human Factors Research Manager
Research and Development Manager
SVP of Research & Development

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.

Research and Development Supervisor Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Research Manager $166,872 32%
Research and Development Manager $160,186 27%

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