Programmers and software development professionals vs Research and development (R&D) managers Salary (2025)

How do Programmers and software development professionals 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 £355 more per year (1% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricProgrammers and software development professionalsResearch and development (R&D) managersDifference
Median Annual£56,459£56,814-£355
Mean Annual£61,964£60,497+£1,467
Monthly£4,705£4,735-£30
Weekly£1,086£1,093-£7
Hourly£27.14£27.31-£0.17

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileProgrammers and software development professionalsResearch and development (R&D) managers
10th (Entry)£31,501£34,679
25th£41,201£44,379
50th (Median)£56,459£56,814
75th£76,658£72,775
90th (Senior)£98,015£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Programmers and software development professionals or a Research and development (R&D) managers?
A Research and development (R&D) managers earns more. The median salary for a Programmers and software development professionals is £56,459, whilst a Research and development (R&D) managers earns £56,814 — a difference of £355 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Programmers and software development professionals and a Research and development (R&D) managers?
The difference is £355 per year. Research and development (R&D) managers is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Programmers and software development professionals 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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