▼28%
$127,159
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$86k
MEDIAN
$127k
90%
$185k
The average salary for a Research Director is $127,159 in 2025
Base Salary
$86k - $185k
Bonus
$3k - $41k
Profit Sharing
$6k - $11k
Total Pay
$86k - $207k
Is Average Experienced Research Director with People Management Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Research Directors?
What Do Research Directors Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Research Director
Medical
98%
Dental
93%
Vision
87%
None
2%
Gender Breakdown for Research Directors
Female
64.7%
Male
32.4%
Prefer to self-define
2.9%
This data is based on 34 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Research Directors
What is the highest pay for Research Directors?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Research Director is $185k / year
What is the lowest pay for Research Directors?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Research Director is $86k / year
How can Research Directors increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Research 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 Director that oversees more junior Research Directors, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.