How Much Does a Design Research Manager make?

Design Research Manager made a median salary around $143,549 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $159,430 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $129,991. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $129,991 10% $117,648 90% $173,890 75% $159,430 $143,549 50%(Median)
Check out Design Research Manager jobs in Montana

Research Biologist

Outlier - Bozeman, MT

Research Associate

Montana State University - Bozeman, MT

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Best-Paying Cities for Design Research Manager

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Design Research Manager profession are Rexford , Saint Regis , Saltese , Stryker , Superior .
Rexford, MT $155,537
Saint Regis, MT $155,537
Saltese, MT $155,537
Stryker, MT $155,537
Superior, MT $155,537

Best-Paying States for Design Research Manager

The states and districts that pay Design Research Manager the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $171,060) , California (around $169,523) , New Jersey (around $168,447) , Alaska (around $167,371) , and Massachusetts (around $167,217) .
District of Columbia $171,060
California $169,523
New Jersey $168,447
Alaska $167,371
Massachusetts $167,217

What is the Career Path of Design Research Manager?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Design Research Manager, the upper level is Product Design Senior Manager , and then progresses to Product Design Director

Frequently Asked Questions for Design Research Manager

Q: What is the salary range of Design Research Manager in Montana?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Design Research Manager in Montana earned an average annual salary of $129,991 , while the highest-paid made $159,430.
Q: What is the salary for a Design Research Manager in California?
A: Design Research Manager employed in California earned an average salary of $169,523 in 2025.

Average Design Research Manager Pay vs. Other Jobs

Design Research Manager earned an average salary of $143,549 in 2025. Other jobs related to Design Research Manager earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Software Research and Design Architect Manager made $154,000 , Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager made $182,200 , Software Research and Design Architect IV and Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor made $144,120 and $137,400 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Design Research Manager

The Software Research and Design Architect Manager implements policies and procedures to develop efficient and scalable software architecture. Manages the structural design and development of new software systems or extensive software revisions for external customers. Being a Software Research and Design Architect Manager identifies, researches, and resolves bottlenecks or weaknesses in the system architecture to improve efficiency, speed, and security. Designs and implements software solutions to consider business and technical needs and ensures compatibility with existing systems. In addition, Software Research and Design Architect Manager evaluates, recommends, and implements new technology, frameworks, and tools. Reviews architecture documentation such as design specifications and diagrams to guide future maintenance and development. Works with non-technical stakeholders to analyze requirements and understand constraints, dependencies, and business needs. Estimates project feasibility, resources, and timeline. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Software Research and Design Architect Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Software Research and Design Architect Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
The Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager implements policies and procedures to develop efficient and scalable software architecture. Manages the structural design and development of new software systems or extensive software revisions for external customers. Being a Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager identifies, researches, and resolves bottlenecks or weaknesses in the system architecture to improve efficiency, speed, and security. Designs and implements software solutions to consider business and technical needs and ensures compatibility with existing systems. In addition, Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager evaluates, recommends, and implements new technology, frameworks, and tools. Reviews architecture documentation such as design specifications and diagrams to guide future maintenance and development. Works with non-technical stakeholders to analyze requirements and understand constraints, dependencies, and business needs. Estimates project feasibility, resources, and timeline. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Working as a Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Software Research and Design Architect IV - Average Salary $144,120
The Software Research and Design Architect IV analyzes software requirements and defines system components to ensure efficient and scalable software architecture. Responsible for the structural design and development of new software systems or extensive software revisions for external customers. Being a Software Research and Design Architect IV creates and maintains architecture documentation such as design specifications and diagrams to guide future maintenance and development. Designs and implements software solutions to consider business and technical needs and ensures compatibility with existing systems. In addition, Software Research and Design Architect IV works with non-technical stakeholders to analyze requirements and understand constraints, dependencies, and business needs. Has in-depth knowledge of software development processes and methodologies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Being a Software Research and Design Architect IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Working as a Software Research and Design Architect IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
The Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor analyzes software requirements and defines system components to ensure efficient and scalable software architecture. Responsible for the structural design and development of new software systems or extensive software revisions for external customers. Being a Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor creates and maintains architecture documentation such as design specifications and diagrams to guide future maintenance and development. Designs and implements software solutions to consider business and technical needs and ensures compatibility with existing systems. In addition, Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor works with non-technical stakeholders to analyze requirements and understand constraints, dependencies, and business needs. Has in-depth knowledge of software development processes and methodologies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor 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. Working as a Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Software Research and Design Architect I - Average Salary $76,000
The Software Research and Design Architect I analyzes software requirements and defines system components to ensure efficient and scalable software architecture. Responsible for the structural design and development of new software systems or extensive software revisions for external customers. Being a Software Research and Design Architect I creates and maintains architecture documentation such as design specifications and diagrams to guide future maintenance and development. Designs and implements software solutions to consider business and technical needs and ensures compatibility with existing systems. In addition, Software Research and Design Architect I works with non-technical stakeholders to analyze requirements and understand constraints, dependencies, and business needs. Has in-depth knowledge of software development processes and methodologies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Being a Software Research and Design Architect I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Working as a Software Research and Design Architect I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.