Metal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making Trades vs Research and development (R&D) managers Salary (2025)

How do Metal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making Trades 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 £17,027 more per year (43% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricMetal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making TradesResearch and development (R&D) managersDifference
Median Annual£39,787£56,814-£17,027
Mean Annual£42,396£60,497-£18,101
Monthly£3,316£4,735-£1,419
Weekly£765£1,093-£328
Hourly£19.13£27.31-£8.18

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileMetal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making TradesResearch and development (R&D) managers
10th (Entry)£25,396£34,679
25th£31,198£44,379
50th (Median)£39,787£56,814
75th£50,583£72,775
90th (Senior)£63,827£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Metal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making Trades or a Research and development (R&D) managers?
A Research and development (R&D) managers earns more. The median salary for a Metal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making Trades is £39,787, whilst a Research and development (R&D) managers earns £56,814 — a difference of £17,027 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Metal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making Trades and a Research and development (R&D) managers?
The difference is £17,027 per year. Research and development (R&D) managers is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Metal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making Trades 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.

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