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How much does a Research Manager make?

The average salary for a Research Manager is $111,948 per year in the US.

Research Managers play a key role in guiding companies towards making informed decisions. On average, these professionals earn around $111,948 each year. This figure represents a middle point, with many earning more and some earning less.


Different factors can affect a Research Manager's salary. Experience, location, and the industry they work in all play a part. Those with more years of experience and those in tech or finance often see higher earnings. Looking at specific numbers, some Research Managers make as low as $56,250, while the highest earners can reach $269,500 or more annually. This wide range highlights the potential for career growth and the impact of various factors on salary.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Research Manager?

Research Managers earn top salaries in San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $200,127. This city stands out for its high demand in tech and biotech sectors, offering lucrative opportunities for skilled professionals. Seattle, WA, follows closely with an average salary of $182,778, making it another prime location for those in the research field. Other cities with notable salaries include Ann Arbor, MI, and Boston, MA, both offering above-average wages for Research Managers. These cities attract a range of industries, providing diverse and well-paying job prospects.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Research Manager jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $200,127 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $98,393.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $200,127
    In San Francisco, leading tech firms like Google and Salesforce seek Research Managers who excel in data analytics. The role here involves shaping product development and market strategies in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
    Find Research Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $182,778
    Seattle’s tech scene is robust, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft hiring Research Managers to drive insights and product innovations. The city offers a collaborative atmosphere for professionals keen on leveraging data to influence company direction.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $130,639
    Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, boasts a thriving research community. Research Managers here collaborate with academic and industry leaders, focusing on cutting-edge projects that blend theoretical research with practical applications.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $126,401
    Boston’s diverse economy needs Research Managers who can navigate both healthcare and technology sectors. Leading firms in biotech and finance seek professionals who can conduct comprehensive market analyses to inform strategic decisions.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $124,332
    Los Angeles offers a unique blend of entertainment and tech industries. Research Managers here analyze trends to support marketing strategies for top entertainment and tech companies, requiring a creative approach to data interpretation.
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  6. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $115,053
    Pittsburgh’s strong focus on technology and healthcare creates opportunities for Research Managers. Companies like UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University look for data-driven professionals to enhance patient care and technological innovations.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $109,918
    Denver’s growing tech scene and outdoor lifestyle attract Research Managers to a variety of sectors. Companies in aerospace and health tech require skilled analysts to drive research initiatives that meet industry needs.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Denver, CO


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $106,042
    Washington, DC, offers Research Managers the chance to influence policy and market strategies. With a mix of government and private sector roles, professionals here can shape research that impacts national and global markets.
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  9. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $101,812
    Austin’s tech-savvy culture and growing industry make it an exciting place for Research Managers. Companies like Dell and IBM leverage their insights to innovate in the tech sector, offering a dynamic environment for data-driven decision-making.
    Find Research Manager jobs in Austin, TX


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $98,393
    San Diego’s strong biotech and tech industries seek Research Managers who can turn scientific discoveries into market-ready products. The city’s collaborative environment supports professionals dedicated to advancing health and technology.
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What are the best companies a Research Manager can work for?

Apple offers the highest pay for Research Manager roles, averaging over $284,000. Google and Thomson Reuters also provide competitive salaries for this position. Universities like Stanford and Columbia offer salaries that, while slightly lower, come with added benefits and a unique work environment.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Research Manager jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $284,958 and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the lowest at $82,943.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $284,958
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Research Managers. They lead teams that work on cutting-edge projects. Apple operates globally with headquarters in Cupertino, California, and many other offices worldwide.


  2. Google
    Average Salary: $243,654
    At Google, Research Managers guide teams in developing innovative technologies. They work in offices located across the globe, including the main office in Mountain View, California.


  3. Thomson Reuters
    Average Salary: $230,044
    Thomson Reuters offers Research Manager roles that focus on media and information. They have locations in New York and London, among other places.


  4. G&W Electric Company
    Average Salary: $129,038
    G&W Electric Company provides Research Manager positions that involve developing new electrical systems. They operate mainly in the U.S., with offices in New York and New Jersey.


  5. Stanford University
    Average Salary: $128,049
    Stanford University offers Research Manager roles focused on academic and scientific research. Their main campus is in Stanford, California, with additional locations in the Bay Area.


  6. Columbia University
    Average Salary: $92,223
    Columbia University offers Research Manager positions in various fields. They have a main campus in New York City and other locations in the state.


  7. Rutgers University
    Average Salary: $87,380
    Rutgers University offers Research Manager roles in both academic and applied research. They operate in New Jersey with multiple campuses.


  8. Washington University in St. Louis
    Average Salary: $87,314
    Washington University in St. Louis offers Research Manager positions in medical and scientific research. They are located in St. Louis, Missouri.


  9. Auburn University
    Average Salary: $83,000
    Auburn University provides Research Manager roles in various disciplines. They are located in Auburn, Alabama, with additional facilities in the state.


  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Average Salary: $82,943
    The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers Research Manager positions in a variety of fields. They are located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

How to earn more as a Research Manager?

A Research Manager can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Developing strong leadership skills helps in managing teams more effectively, leading to better project outcomes. Building a solid network within the industry opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Staying updated with the latest research tools and techniques ensures that one remains competitive and efficient. Continuous learning through certifications and advanced courses enhances one's expertise and value in the job market.

Another effective way to earn more is by taking on projects that offer high visibility and impact. These projects often come with higher compensation packages. Seeking roles in industries with a high demand for research, such as pharmaceuticals or technology, can also lead to better salary prospects. Negotiating salary and benefits based on one's experience and the value brought to the organization is essential. Being open to relocation for better opportunities can further enhance earning potential. Attending industry conferences and workshops not only provides learning opportunities but also helps in building professional relationships that can lead to higher-paying roles.

Here are some important steps to consider:

  1. Develop strong leadership skills.
  2. Build a solid professional network.
  3. Stay updated with the latest research tools and techniques.
  4. Continuously learn through certifications and advanced courses.
  5. Take on high visibility and impactful projects.

Currently 96 Research Manager job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Research Manager in the US?

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
96 Job Openings