Purchasing managers and directors vs Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals Salary (2025)

How do Purchasing managers and directors and Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Purchasing managers and directors earns £5,181 more per year (10% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricPurchasing managers and directorsResearch and Development (R&D) and Other Research ProfessionalsDifference
Median Annual£59,464£54,283+£5,181
Mean Annual£62,204£57,622+£4,582
Monthly£4,955£4,524+£431
Weekly£1,144£1,044+£100
Hourly£28.59£26.10+£2.49

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePurchasing managers and directorsResearch and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals
10th (Entry)£31,444£32,169
25th£43,367£41,963
50th (Median)£59,464£54,283
75th£78,781£69,410
90th (Senior)£0£87,125
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Purchasing managers and directors or a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals?
A Purchasing managers and directors earns more. The median salary for a Purchasing managers and directors is £59,464, whilst a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals earns £54,283 — a difference of £5,181 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Purchasing managers and directors and a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals?
The difference is £5,181 per year. Purchasing managers and directors is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Purchasing managers and directors or a Research and Development (R&D) and Other Research Professionals?
From a salary perspective, Purchasing managers and directors 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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