Mechanical engineers vs Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals Salary (2025)

How do Mechanical engineers and Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals earns £4,284 more per year (9% higher)

Mechanical engineers

£49,999
per year
vs

Detailed Comparison

MetricMechanical engineersResearch and Development (R&D) and Other Research ProfessionalsDifference
Median Annual£49,999£54,283-£4,284
Mean Annual£53,850£57,622-£3,772
Monthly£4,167£4,524-£357
Weekly£962£1,044-£82
Hourly£24.04£26.10-£2.06

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileMechanical engineersResearch and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals
10th (Entry)£31,219£32,169
25th£40,001£41,963
50th (Median)£49,999£54,283
75th£62,548£69,410
90th (Senior)£0£87,125
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Mechanical engineers or a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals?
A Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals earns more. The median salary for a Mechanical engineers is £49,999, whilst a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals earns £54,283 — a difference of £4,284 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Mechanical engineers and a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals?
The difference is £4,284 per year. Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Mechanical engineers or a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals?
From a salary perspective, Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

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