▼30%
$143,176
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$87k
MEDIAN
$143k
90%
$192k
The average salary for a Research & Development (R&D) Director is $143,176 in 2025
Base Salary
$87k - $192k
Bonus
$5k - $34k
Profit Sharing
$2k - $25k
Commission
$0 - $40k
Total Pay
$87k - $209k
Is Average Research & Development (R&D) Director Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Research & Development (R&D) Directors?
What Do Research & Development (R&D) Directors Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
How do Research & Development (R&D) Directors Rate Their Jobs?
Based on 48 responses, the job of Research & Development (R&D) Director has received a job satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5. On average, Research & Development (R&D) Directors are highly satisfied with their job.
Common Health Benefits for a Research & Development (R&D) Director
Medical
88%
Dental
82%
Vision
75%
None
11%
Gender Breakdown for Research & Development (R&D) Directors
Male
63.9%
Female
36.1%
This data is based on 191 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Research & Development (R&D) Directors
What is the highest pay for Research & Development (R&D) Directors?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Research & Development (R&D) Director is $192k / year
What is the lowest pay for Research & Development (R&D) Directors?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Research & Development (R&D) Director is $87k / year
How can Research & Development (R&D) Directors increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Research & Development (R&D) Director is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Research & Development (R&D) Director that oversees more junior Research & Development (R&D) Directors, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.