▼17%
$120,564
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$80k
MEDIAN
$121k
90%
$169k
The average salary for a Research & Development (R&D) Director is $120,564 in 2025
Base Salary
$80k - $169k
Bonus
$1k - $30k
Profit Sharing
$2k - $3k
Total Pay
$80k - $179k
Is Average Mid-Career 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:
Common Health Benefits for a Research & Development (R&D) Director
Medical
86%
Dental
80%
Vision
72%
None
12%
Gender Breakdown for Research & Development (R&D) Directors
Female
53.8%
Male
46.2%
This data is based on 65 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 $169k / 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 $80k / 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.