How Much Does a Research Innovation Lead make?

Research Innovation Lead made a median salary around $178,883 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $203,454 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $157,514. 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% $157,514 10% $138,059 90% $225,824 75% $203,454 $178,883 50%(Median)
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Research Innovation Lead

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Research Innovation Lead profession are New Canaan , Norwalk , Old Greenwich , Riverside , Stamford .
New Canaan, CT $191,208
Norwalk, CT $191,208
Old Greenwich, CT $191,208
Riverside, CT $191,208
Stamford, CT $191,208

Best-Paying States for Research Innovation Lead

The states and districts that pay Research Innovation Lead the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $185,379) , California (around $183,713) , New Jersey (around $182,547) , Alaska (around $181,381) , and Massachusetts (around $181,215) .
District of Columbia $185,379
California $183,713
New Jersey $182,547
Alaska $181,381
Massachusetts $181,215

What is the Career Path of Research Innovation Lead?

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 Research Innovation Lead, the first career path typically progresses to Human Factors Research Manager .

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Research and Development Associate VI position , and then progresses to SVP of Research & Development.

Besides, Research Innovation Lead can also turn to other related jobs, including Innovation Lead , Innovation Analyst IV , Innovation and Design Lead and Innovation Operations Lead .

Frequently Asked Questions for Research Innovation Lead

Q: What is the salary range of Research Innovation Lead in Connecticut?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Research Innovation Lead in Connecticut earned an average annual salary of $157,514 , while the highest-paid made $203,454.
Q: What is the salary for a Research Innovation Lead in California?
A: Research Innovation Lead employed in California earned an average salary of $183,713 in 2025.

Average Research Innovation Lead Pay vs. Other Jobs

Research Innovation Lead earned an average salary of $178,883 in 2025. Other jobs related to Research Innovation Lead earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Innovation Lead made $240,357 , Innovation Analyst IV made $150,041 , Innovation and Design Lead and Innovation Operations Lead made $106,574 and $133,578 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Research Innovation Lead

Innovation Lead - Average Salary $240,357
There is currently no job description for Innovation Lead, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Innovation Lead.
Innovation Analyst IV - Average Salary $150,041
Innovation Analyst IV supports the vision, strategy, and thinking methodologies used to innovate new products and services, introduce novel or disruptive ideas, improve existing processes, and create a culture of innovation within the company. Participates in implementing strategic innovation initiatives. Being an Innovation Analyst IV conducts research to collect data and background information for innovation projects. Collaborates with internal teams or outside partners to support experimentation, testing, and prototyping of new products and processes. Additionally, Innovation Analyst IV collects data and performs analysis of initiatives to quantify results. Prepares and presents exhibits and summaries that detail innovation efforts. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Innovation Analyst IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be an Innovation Analyst IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Innovation and Design Lead - Average Salary $106,574
There is currently no job description for Innovation and Design Lead, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Innovation and Design Lead.
Innovation Operations Lead - Average Salary $133,578
There is currently no job description for Innovation Operations Lead, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Innovation Operations Lead.
Innovation and Strategy Analyst IV - Average Salary $150,100
The Innovation and Strategy Analyst IV participates in implementing strategic innovation initiatives. Supports the vision, strategy, and thinking methodologies used to innovate new products and services, introduce novel or disruptive ideas, improve existing processes, and create a culture of innovation within the company. Being an Innovation and Strategy Analyst IV collaborates with internal teams or outside partners to support experimentation, testing, and prototyping of new products and processes. Conducts research to collect data and background information for innovation projects. In addition, Innovation and Strategy Analyst IV collects data and performs analysis of initiatives to quantify results. Prepares and presents exhibits and summaries that detail innovation efforts. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Being an Innovation and Strategy Analyst 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 an Innovation and Strategy Analyst IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.