Plastics process operatives vs Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals Salary

How do Plastics process operatives and Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals earns £23,512 more per year (76% higher)

Plastics process operatives

£30,771
per year (gross)
Take-home: £25,675
vs

Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals

£54,283
per year (gross)
Take-home: £42,042

Detailed Comparison

MetricPlastics process operativesResearch and Development (R&D) and Other Research ProfessionalsDifference
Median Annual£30,771£54,283-£23,512
Mean Annual£32,425£57,622-£25,197
Take-Home (Net)£25,675£42,042-£16,367
Monthly (Gross)£2,564£4,524-£1,960
Weekly (Gross)£592£1,044-£452
Hourly£14.79£26.10-£11.31

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePlastics process operativesResearch and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals
10th (Entry)£21,352£32,169
25th£26,419£41,963
50th (Median)£30,771£54,283
75th£38,034£69,410
90th (Senior)£0£87,125

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Plastics process operatives 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 Plastics process operatives is £30,771, whilst a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals earns £54,283 — a difference of £23,512 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Plastics process operatives and a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals?
The difference is £23,512 per year. Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals is the higher-paid role.
What is the take-home pay difference?
After tax and National Insurance, a Plastics process operatives takes home approximately £25,675 per year, whilst a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals takes home £42,042. The net difference is £16,367.
Should I become a Plastics process operatives 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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