Mechanical engineers vs Research and development (R&D) managers Salary (2025)
How do Mechanical engineers and Research and development (R&D) managers salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.
Research and development (R&D) managers earns £6,815 more per year (14% higher)
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mechanical engineers | Research and development (R&D) managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual | £49,999 | £56,814 | -£6,815 |
| Mean Annual | £53,850 | £60,497 | -£6,647 |
| Monthly | £4,167 | £4,735 | -£568 |
| Weekly | £962 | £1,093 | -£131 |
| Hourly | £24.04 | £27.31 | -£3.27 |
Salary Range Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical engineers | Research and development (R&D) managers |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (Entry) | £31,219 | £34,679 |
| 25th | £40,001 | £44,379 |
| 50th (Median) | £49,999 | £56,814 |
| 75th | £62,548 | £72,775 |
| 90th (Senior) | £0 | £0 |
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more, a Mechanical engineers or a Research and development (R&D) managers?
A Research and development (R&D) managers earns more. The median salary for a Mechanical engineers is £49,999, whilst a Research and development (R&D) managers earns £56,814 — a difference of £6,815 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Mechanical engineers and a Research and development (R&D) managers?
The difference is £6,815 per year. Research and development (R&D) managers is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Mechanical engineers or a Research and development (R&D) managers?
From a salary perspective, Research and development (R&D) managers offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.
More Comparisons
Mechanical engineers vs Finance ProfessionalsResearch and development (R&D) managers vs Finance ProfessionalsMechanical engineers vs Nannies and au pairsResearch and development (R&D) managers vs Nannies and au pairsMechanical engineers vs Welfare ProfessionalsResearch and development (R&D) managers vs Welfare ProfessionalsMechanical engineers vs Science, research, engineering and technology professionalsResearch and development (R&D) managers vs Science, research, engineering and technology professionals