Research and development (R&D) managers vs Sales accounts and business development managers Salary (2025)

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

Research and development (R&D) managers earns £2,072 more per year (4% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricResearch and development (R&D) managersSales accounts and business development managersDifference
Median Annual£56,814£54,742+£2,072
Mean Annual£60,497£60,748-£251
Monthly£4,735£4,562+£173
Weekly£1,093£1,053+£40
Hourly£27.31£26.32+£0.99

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileResearch and development (R&D) managersSales accounts and business development managers
10th (Entry)£34,679£30,103
25th£44,379£40,257
50th (Median)£56,814£54,742
75th£72,775£73,141
90th (Senior)£0£97,003
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Research and development (R&D) managers or a Sales accounts and business development managers?
A Research and development (R&D) managers earns more. The median salary for a Research and development (R&D) managers is £56,814, whilst a Sales accounts and business development managers earns £54,742 — a difference of £2,072 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Research and development (R&D) managers and a Sales accounts and business development managers?
The difference is £2,072 per year. Research and development (R&D) managers is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Research and development (R&D) managers or a Sales accounts and business development 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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