As of April 22, 2025, the average annual salary for a Head of Research and Development in the United Kingdom is £159,783, with an hourly rate of £77, according to Salary.com Global Salary IQ data. The average salary ranges from £145,723 to £170,973, influenced by factors like location, education, experience, and more.

Global Market Data
25TH   £145,723
50TH(Median)   £159,783
75TH   £170,973
Head of Research and Development Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
25th Percentile Head of Research and Development Salary £145,723 United Kingdom April 22, 2025
50th Percentile Head of Research and Development Salary £159,783 United Kingdom April 22, 2025
75th Percentile Head of Research and Development Salary £170,973 United Kingdom April 22, 2025

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How Much Does a Head of Research and Development Make by Hour, Week, Month, and Year?

Last Updated on April 22, 2025

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Head of Research and Development salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Head of Research and Development is about £159,783 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of £77, a monthly salary of about £13,315, and a weekly pay of around £3,073. Click the switch button below to see more details about Head of Research and Development hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

How Much Do Head of Research and Developments Earn at Different Levels in 2025?

A Head of Research and Development's salary varies significantly based on experience level. Entry typically earn £145,093 - £154,117, while Intermediate make £146,353 - £155,166, Senior earn £148,241 - £156,635, Specialist earn £151,179 - £159,363, Expert can reach £154,537 - £161,787 or more, depending on the company and location.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Head of Research and Development £151,179
Intermediate Level Head of Research and Development £152,438
Senior Level Head of Research and Development £154,117
Specialist Level Head of Research and Development £156,635
Expert Level Head of Research and Development £159,783
£151,179 0 yr
£152,438 < 2 yrs
£154,117 2-4 yrs
£156,635 5-8 yrs
£159,783 > 8 yrs
Entry Level 5%
Intermediate Level 5%
Senior Level 4%
Specialist Level 2%
Expert Level 0%
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View as Graph
Last Updated on April 22, 2025

What are the Highest Paying Cities in the United Kingdom for Head of Research and Development?

The top 3 highest-paying cities in the United Kingdom for Head of Research and Development are London, Brighton and Hove, and Manchester. In London, the average salary is £172,566 per year, while Brighton and Hove offers £160,970, and Manchester pays around £153,160 annually.

Which Job Pays More: Research and Development Manager or Head of Research and Development?

As of April 22, 2025 , a Research and Development Manager makes less than a Head of Research and Development. A Research and Development Manager earns an average annual salary of £76,595. And a Head of Research and Development earns an average annual salary of £159,783.

Job Title Salary Range in GBP
Research and Development Manager
£58,651
£94,271
Top Research & Development Executive
£97,130
£152,849
Research and Development Supervisor II
£22,428
£140,258
Research and Development Supervisor III
£36,495
£157,770

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