As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Project Manager in the United States is $116,712 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Research Project Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Project 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 Project 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 |
|---|---|
| Project M... Level Research Project Manager | $75,802 |
| Project M... Level Research Project Manager | $94,745 |
| Research ... Level Research Project Manager | $115,958 |
| Project M... Level Research Project Manager | $130,616 |
| Project M... Level Research Project Manager | $154,038 |
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 Project Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 20.54% |
| PowerPoint | 1.27% |
| Quality Control | 1.01% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Agile
|
$122,548 |
5%
|
|
Scrum
|
$122,548 |
5%
|
|
Project Delivery
|
$121,380 |
4%
|
|
Program Management
|
$121,380 |
4%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$120,213 |
3%
|
|
Change Management
|
$120,213 |
3%
|
For Research Project 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 Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Research Project Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Project Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $140,054 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $140,054 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $134,219 | $65.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $134,219 | $65.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $128,383 | $62.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Project Managers enter the field with a Associate'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 Project Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $108,444 and $115,598).
Research Project Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 5.7% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 42.2% |
| Masters | 44.4% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
Understanding how a Research Project 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Research Project Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,757 in 2023 to around $101,869 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Project Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,757 |
| 2024 | $102,536 |
| 2025 | $101,869 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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