Production Managers and Directors vs Research and development (R&D) managers Salary

How do Production Managers and Directors and Research and development (R&D) managers salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown using the latest ONS data.

Research and development (R&D) managers earns £2,552 more per year (5% higher)

Production Managers and Directors

£54,262
per year (gross)
Take-home: £42,029
vs

Research and development (R&D) managers

£56,814
per year (gross)
Take-home: £43,510

Detailed Comparison

MetricProduction Managers and DirectorsResearch and development (R&D) managersDifference
Median Annual£54,262£56,814-£2,552
Mean Annual£61,593£60,497+£1,096
Take-Home (Net)£42,029£43,510-£1,481
Monthly (Gross)£4,522£4,735-£213
Weekly (Gross)£1,044£1,093-£49
Hourly£26.09£27.31-£1.22

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileProduction Managers and DirectorsResearch and development (R&D) managers
10th (Entry)£19,056£34,679
25th£37,502£44,379
50th (Median)£54,262£56,814
75th£76,235£72,775
90th (Senior)£107,527£0

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Production Managers and Directors 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 is £54,262, whilst a Research and development (R&D) managers earns £56,814 — a difference of £2,552 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Production Managers and Directors and a Research and development (R&D) managers?
The difference is £2,552 per year. Research and development (R&D) managers is the higher-paid role.
What is the take-home pay difference?
After tax and National Insurance, a Production Managers and Directors takes home approximately £42,029 per year, whilst a Research and development (R&D) managers takes home £43,510. The net difference is £1,481.
Should I become a Production Managers and Directors 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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