Research and development (r&d) managers roles in the UK earn a median of £54,500 per year, equivalent to £28.43 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 1.8% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £41,000 in Wales to £64,000 in West Midlands. Pay has risen over the past 5 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £55,519/yr (2% below our computed national average).
Median Annual Pay
£54,500
as of 2025
High confidenceMedian Hourly Pay
£28.43
per hour
Year-on-Year Change
+1.8%
vs 2024
Annual Pay Range
£43,500 – £73,500
25th – 75th percentile
There is currently not sufficient data available for this occupation to say anything about the labour market.
Median annual pay for Research and development (r&d) managers across UK regions.
Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).
| Region | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| West Midlands | £64,000 |
| South West | £61,500 |
| North East | £61,000 |
| East | £57,000 |
| South East | £55,500 |
| London | £55,000 |
| East Midlands | £53,000 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £52,000 |
| North West | £52,000 |
| Scotland | £51,000 |
| Wales | £41,000 |
| UK | £54,500 |
Annual pay grew by +1.8% from 2024 to 2025.
National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot.
Annual percentage change in median pay for Research and development (r&d) managers.
Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.
The median salary for a Research and development (r&d) managers in the UK is £54,500 per year (about £28.43 per hour), based on official ONS data for 2025.
Most Research and development (r&d) managers earn between £43,500 and £73,500 a year (the 25th to 75th percentile of UK pay).
Research and development (r&d) managers pay rose by 1.8% from 2024 to 2025.
The highest median pay for Research and development (r&d) managers is in West Midlands, at £64,000 per year.
For job seekers
Check your salary against official UK data for Research and development (r&d) managers roles — broken down by region and seniority level. Free, instant, no sign-up required.
For employers & recruiters
Managers in this unit group plan, organise, co-ordinate and manage resources to undertake the systematic investigation necessary for the development of new, or to enhance the performance of existing, products and services.
Entrants usually possess a relevant degree or equivalent qualification. Training is usually provided on-the-job, although support may be provided for postgraduate study. Professional qualifications are available.
Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.