Research and development (R&D) managers vs Skilled trades occupations Salary (2025)

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

Research and development (R&D) managers earns £21,895 more per year (63% higher)
vs

Skilled trades occupations

£34,919
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricResearch and development (R&D) managersSkilled trades occupationsDifference
Median Annual£56,814£34,919+£21,895
Mean Annual£60,497£36,896+£23,601
Monthly£4,735£2,910+£1,825
Weekly£1,093£672+£421
Hourly£27.31£16.79+£10.52

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileResearch and development (R&D) managersSkilled trades occupations
10th (Entry)£34,679£19,202
25th£44,379£27,269
50th (Median)£56,814£34,919
75th£72,775£44,593
90th (Senior)£0£56,036
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Research and development (R&D) managers or a Skilled trades occupations?
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 Skilled trades occupations earns £34,919 — a difference of £21,895 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Research and development (R&D) managers and a Skilled trades occupations?
The difference is £21,895 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 Skilled trades occupations?
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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