As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Operations Manager in the United States is $209,474 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $101.
However, a Research Operations Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Operations 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Operations 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 |
|---|---|
| Operation... Level Research Operations Manager | $96,202 |
| Operation... Level Research Operations Manager | $110,522 |
| Operation... Level Research Operations Manager | $129,422 |
| Operation... Level Research Operations Manager | $139,279 |
| Research ... Level Research Operations Manager | $207,551 |
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 Research Operations Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.68% |
| Data Collection | 1.76% |
| Product Development | 1.51% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Security Clearance
|
$253,464 |
21%
|
|
Delegating
|
$247,179 |
18%
|
|
Product Development
|
$240,895 |
15%
|
|
Root Cause Analysis
|
$236,706 |
13%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$234,611 |
12%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$232,516 |
11%
|
For Research Operations Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Research Operations Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Operations Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $251,369 | $121.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Operations Managers 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 a Research Operations Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $178,710 and $199,057).
Research Operations Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 2.9% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 24.3% |
| Masters | 51.4% |
| Doctorate | 18.6% |
Understanding how a Research Operations 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, 2026Salaries for a Research Operations Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $160,350 in 2023 to around $158,034 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Operations Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $160,350 |
| 2024 | $159,795 |
| 2025 | $158,034 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Research Operations Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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