Production managers and directors in manufacturing vs Research and development (R&D) managers Salary (2025)

How do Production managers and directors in manufacturing 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 £2,870 more per year (5% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricProduction managers and directors in manufacturingResearch and development (R&D) managersDifference
Median Annual£53,944£56,814-£2,870
Mean Annual£62,079£60,497+£1,582
Monthly£4,495£4,735-£240
Weekly£1,037£1,093-£56
Hourly£25.93£27.31-£1.38

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileProduction managers and directors in manufacturingResearch and development (R&D) managers
10th (Entry)£13,238£34,679
25th£35,999£44,379
50th (Median)£53,944£56,814
75th£79,366£72,775
90th (Senior)£112,484£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Production managers and directors in manufacturing or a Research and development (R&D) managers?
A Research and development (R&D) managers earns more. The median salary for a Production managers and directors in manufacturing is £53,944, whilst a Research and development (R&D) managers earns £56,814 — a difference of £2,870 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Production managers and directors in manufacturing and a Research and development (R&D) managers?
The difference is £2,870 per year. Research and development (R&D) managers is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Production managers and directors in manufacturing 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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