Overview Salaries

Research Manager Salaries

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Research Manager make?

The average salary for a Research Manager is $106,713 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Research Manager positions, showing an average salary of $106,713 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Research Manager positions, showing an average salary of $106,713 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Research Manager positions, showing an average salary of $106,713 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Research Manager positions, showing an average salary of $106,713 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Research Manager often earns a very good salary. This job comes with a wide range of pay. Most people in this role make between $50,000 and $180,105 a year. The average yearly salary is $106,713. Higher salaries are common for those with more experience and advanced skills.


Becoming a Research Manager can lead to a rewarding career. Those who work hard and gain experience can see their salaries grow. Many companies also offer bonuses and other benefits. This makes the job even more attractive. Research Managers play a key role in helping businesses make smart decisions. Their work can lead to better products and happier customers.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Manager?

Job seekers looking for Research Manager roles can find top-tier salaries in several cities. San Francisco, CA, leads the pack with an impressive average salary of $191,961. Following closely behind, Seattle, WA, offers a competitive average of $187,952. These cities attract top talent due to their strong job markets and high demand for research expertise. Los Angeles, CA, and Ann Arbor, MI, also offer attractive salaries, making them excellent choices for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Manager jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $191,961 and Pittsburgh, PA with the lowest at $105,933.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $191,961
    Work in San Francisco for tech giants like Google and Salesforce. Enjoy a dynamic market with endless opportunities. Enjoy the city's vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes.
    Find Research Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $187,952
    Seattle offers a unique blend of innovation and nature. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft look for leaders with a deep understanding of data. Enjoy outdoor activities and a strong community.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $134,943
    Los Angeles is home to a diverse range of industries. Companies like Disney and NBCUniversal need strong research leaders. Enjoy a warm climate and a vibrant cultural scene.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $131,797
    In Ann Arbor, work with top universities and innovative companies. The University of Michigan and Ford Motor Company offer exciting opportunities. Enjoy a mix of academic and corporate environments.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $122,229
    Boston has a rich history and a thriving tech scene. Companies like Biogen and Fidelity need research experts. Enjoy a lively atmosphere and easy access to top universities.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $114,290
    Denver's growing tech industry offers many opportunities. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Oracle look for skilled leaders. Enjoy the stunning Rocky Mountains and a vibrant downtown.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Denver, CO


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $112,362
    Austin's tech boom brings exciting job openings. Companies like Dell and IBM need strong research talent. Enjoy a lively music scene and a laid-back lifestyle.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Austin, TX


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $109,820
    Washington, DC offers a unique blend of politics and business. Companies like IBM and Lockheed Martin need strategic thinkers. Enjoy a rich history and cultural attractions.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $109,616
    Dallas has a strong tech and finance sector. Companies like AT&T and JPMorgan Chase look for experienced leaders. Enjoy a warm climate and a diverse community.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Dallas, TX


  10. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $105,933
    Pittsburgh offers a mix of industry and education. Companies like UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University need research experts. Enjoy a rich history and a growing tech scene.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

What are the best companies a Research Manager can work for?

Research Managers can find lucrative opportunities at top companies like Apple and Google. Apple offers an average salary of $288,543, and Google follows closely with $242,522. These positions often include benefits that enhance overall compensation, making them very attractive. Other notable companies include Thomson Reuters and Deloitte, which offer competitive salaries and valuable benefits. Thomson Reuters provides an average salary of $226,958, while Deloitte pays $137,412. These companies often require strong analytical skills and experience, which can lead to higher earning potential.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Manager jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $288,543 and Johns Hopkins University with the lowest at $80,727.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $288,543
    Apple offers exciting Research Manager jobs with a focus on innovation and technology. Research Managers at Apple work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of tech. They have offices in many locations, including Cupertino, California; Austin, Texas; and New York City.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $242,522
    Google provides Research Manager positions that focus on data analysis and product development. Research Managers at Google work on exciting projects that impact millions of users. The company operates in several cities, including Mountain View, California; New York City; and London.


  3. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $226,958
    Thomson Reuters offers Research Manager jobs that concentrate on financial and legal research. Research Managers at Thomson Reuters develop insights that help professionals make informed decisions. The company operates in many cities, including New York City; London; and Toronto.


  4. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $137,412
    Deloitte provides Research Manager jobs in various industries, including technology, consulting, and financial services. Research Managers at Deloitte help clients solve complex business problems. The company operates in many cities, including New York City; San Francisco; and London.


  5. Stanford University
    Average Salary: $136,331
    Stanford University offers Research Manager jobs that focus on academic research and innovation. Research Managers at Stanford work on projects that advance knowledge and technology. The university is located in Stanford, California.


  6. University of Kansas Medical Center
    Average Salary: $108,453
    The University of Kansas Medical Center offers Research Manager jobs that focus on medical research and healthcare innovation. Research Managers at the University of Kansas Medical Center work on projects that improve patient care. The center is located in Kansas City, Kansas.


  7. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $106,710
    CVS Health provides Research Manager jobs that focus on healthcare research and pharmacy innovation. Research Managers at CVS Health work on projects that improve patient health. The company operates in many cities, including Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Atlanta, Georgia; and Hartford, Connecticut.


  8. Rutgers University
    Average Salary: $89,910
    Rutgers University offers Research Manager jobs that focus on academic research and innovation. Research Managers at Rutgers University work on projects that advance knowledge and technology. The university is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey.


  9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Average Salary: $82,569
    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers Research Manager jobs that focus on academic research and innovation. Research Managers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill work on projects that advance knowledge and technology. The university is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.


  10. Johns Hopkins University
    Average Salary: $80,727
    Johns Hopkins University offers Research Manager jobs that focus on academic research and innovation. Research Managers at Johns Hopkins University work on projects that advance knowledge and technology. The university is located in Baltimore, Maryland.

How to earn more as a Research Manager?

Being a Research Manager is a rewarding career path. To earn more, one must focus on several key areas. First, gaining specialized knowledge in a particular research field can set a Research Manager apart. This expertise can command higher salaries and lead to more senior positions. Another factor is expanding professional networks. Networking with other professionals opens doors to new opportunities and can lead to higher-paying roles. Additionally, demonstrating leadership and project management skills enhances a Research Manager's value. Leading successful projects can lead to promotions and salary increases.

Acquiring certifications and advanced degrees also plays a crucial role in earning more. Degrees such as an MBA with a focus on research or certifications in project management can improve earning potential. Lastly, seeking out and negotiating better compensation packages is important. Research Managers should not hesitate to discuss their worth and negotiate for higher salaries based on their contributions and experience.

Here are five factors that can help a Research Manager earn more:

  1. Gain specialized knowledge in a specific research field.
  2. Expand professional networks to discover new opportunities.
  3. Demonstrate strong leadership and project management skills.
  4. Acquire certifications and advanced degrees relevant to the field.
  5. Negotiate for higher compensation based on contributions and experience.

Currently 140 Research Manager job openings, nationwide.

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Learn what a Research Manager does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Research Manager today.
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Research Manager
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