Purchasing managers and directors vs Research and development (R&D) managers Salary (2025)

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

Purchasing managers and directors earns £2,650 more per year (5% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricPurchasing managers and directorsResearch and development (R&D) managersDifference
Median Annual£59,464£56,814+£2,650
Mean Annual£62,204£60,497+£1,707
Monthly£4,955£4,735+£220
Weekly£1,144£1,093+£51
Hourly£28.59£27.31+£1.28

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePurchasing managers and directorsResearch and development (R&D) managers
10th (Entry)£31,444£34,679
25th£43,367£44,379
50th (Median)£59,464£56,814
75th£78,781£72,775
90th (Senior)£0£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Purchasing managers and directors or a Research and development (R&D) managers?
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) managers earns £56,814 — a difference of £2,650 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Purchasing managers and directors and a Research and development (R&D) managers?
The difference is £2,650 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) managers?
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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