As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for an SVP of Research & Development in the United States is $330,802 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $159.
However, an SVP of Research & Development's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An SVP of Research & Development'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an SVP of Research & Development'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level SVP of Research & Development | $315,863 |
| Intermediate Level SVP of Research & Development | $318,005 |
| Senior Level SVP of Research & Development | $320,862 |
| Specialist Level SVP of Research & Development | $325,146 |
| Expert Level SVP of Research & Development | $330,502 |
What Am I Worth?
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 SVP of Research & Developments. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many SVP of Research & Developments enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 SVP of Research & Development with a Bachelor's Degree is between $314,513 and $352,470.
SVP of Research & Development Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 1.9% |
| Associates | 0.5% |
| Bachelors | 15.8% |
| Masters | 23.9% |
| Doctorate | 57.9% |
Understanding how an SVP of Research & Development'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for an SVP of Research & Development can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $253,947 in 2023 to around $249,776 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of SVP of Research & Development salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $253,947 |
| 2024 | $254,609 |
| 2025 | $249,776 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $330,802 | 66.3% |
| Bonus | $63,512 | 12.7% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $16,171 | 3.2% |
| 401K/403B | $10,500 | 2.1% |
| Disability | $7,886 | 1.6% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 1.7% |
| Pension | $13,500 | 2.7% |
| Time Off | $48,531 | 9.7% |
| Total Compensation | $499,255 | 100% |
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An SVP of Research & Development'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, an SVP of Research & Development earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an SVP of Research & Development is $417,241.
The highest pay for SVP of Research & Development is $363,805.
The lowest pay for SVP of Research & Development is $287,257.
Plans and oversees an organization's research and development policies, objectives, and initiatives. Leads research efforts to identify new technologies and other scientific concepts that can be used to improve current product offerings or create new products and services. Evaluates and recommends ideas for new products that may enhance the organization's competitive position and achieve growth in revenue and/or market share. Researches and adopts new technologies that improve and expand the organization's capabilities, processes, or products. May require a master's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes/implements overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. Typically requires 10+ years of progressive leadership experience. Has extensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.
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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