Project Manager, Research & Development Salary in the United States

How much does a Project Manager, Research & Development make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Manager, Research & Development in the United States is $148,732 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $172,252
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $137,957 to $161,043
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,147
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View as table View as graph 25% $137,957 10% $128,147 90% $172,252 75% $161,043 $148,732 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Project Manager, Research & Development Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $161,043 $13,420 $3,097 $77
Average $148,732 $12,394 $2,860 $72
25th Percentile $137,957 $11,496 $2,653 $66
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Key Factors That Influence Project Manager, Research & Development Salaries

A Project Manager, 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.

How Experience Level Affects Project Manager, Research & Development Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Project Manager, 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $218,395
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $116,414
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $147,827
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $180,870
  • Expert (over 8 years): $208,478
Levels Salary
Research ... Level Project Manager, Research & Development$218,395
Research ... Level Project Manager, Research & Development$116,414
Project M... Level Project Manager, Research & Development$147,827
Research ... Level Project Manager, Research & Development$180,870
Research ... Level Project Manager, Research & Development$208,478
$218,395 0 yr
$116,414 < 2 yrs
$147,827 2-4 yrs
$180,870 5-8 yrs
$208,478 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Project Manager, Research & Development 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 Project Manager, Research & Developments. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $164,676.
  • California: $164,051.
  • Massachusetts: $161,865.

Top Paying Cities for Project Manager, Research & Developments

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: $187,596
  • San Francisco: $185,751
  • Oakland: $181,632

What Skills Can Increase a Project Manager, Research & Development's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 10.36% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Economics (Mentioned in 1.54% Job Postings): Economics is a social science that focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and analyzes the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make to allocate resources.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 1.28% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 10.36%
Economics 1.54%
PowerPoint 1.28%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Project Manager, Research & Development's salary.
  • People Management: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • New Product Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
People Management
 $160,631
8%
New Product Development
 $156,169
5%
Coaching
 $156,169
5%
Flexibility
 $156,169
5%
Innovation
 $154,681
4%
Tableau
 $154,681
4%
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How Education impacts a Project Manager, Research & Development's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Manager, Research & Developments enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Project Manager, Research & Development with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $150,727 and $159,635).

Project Manager, Research & Development Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Project Manager, Research & Development
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.4%
High School 1.4%
Associates 2.0%
Bachelors 21.5%
Masters 27.2%
Doctorate 47.9%
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Project Manager, Research & Development Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Project Manager, 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on March 01, 2026
$137,957
Average $148,732/year
$161,043
$11,496
Average $12,394/month
$13,420
$2,653
Average $2,860/week
$3,097
$66
Average $72/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $161,043 $13,420 $3,097 $77
Average $148,732 $12,394 $2,860 $72
25th Percentile $137,957 $11,496 $2,653 $66

Salaries of jobs related to Project Manager, Research & Development

Salary Trends for Project Manager, Research & Development

Salaries for a Project Manager, Research & Development can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $152,294 in 2023 to around $150,585 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Manager, Research & Development salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Project Manager, Research & Development Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$152,294
2024
$152,977
2025
$150,585
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $152,294
2024 $152,977
2025 $150,585
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Project Manager, Research & Development

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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.)

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