As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Program R&D Manager in Plainfield, NJ is $160,251 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.
However, a Program R&D Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Program R&D 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Program R&D 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Research ... Level Program R&D Manager | $235,380 |
| Research ... Level Program R&D Manager | $125,469 |
| Program R... Level Program R&D Manager | $159,281 |
| Research ... Level Program R&D Manager | $194,931 |
| Research ... Level Program R&D Manager | $224,655 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.36% |
| Economics | 1.54% |
| PowerPoint | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
People Management
|
$173,071 |
8%
|
|
New Product Development
|
$168,264 |
5%
|
|
Coaching
|
$168,264 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$168,264 |
5%
|
|
Innovation
|
$166,661 |
4%
|
|
Tableau
|
$166,661 |
4%
|
For Program R&D 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 Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Program R&D Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Program R&D Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $200,314 | $96.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $184,289 | $89.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $184,289 | $89.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $184,289 | $89.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $176,277 | $85.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Program R&D 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Program R&D Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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