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What is a research and development project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Research and development project managers research, plan, and create a developed product or service for the company they work for. Other duties required of you as a research and development project manager include conducting the research needed for the development of products, negotiating research purposes with other team members, and ensuring you all conclude. Also, you will comply with all guidelines and regulations regarding your line of work. Since you will be working with a team or heading the team, you are responsible for all activities performed by the team under your supervision.

You should be detail-oriented, analytical, and have math, research, management, communication, project management, and product development skills. Most research and development project managers have a degree related to their industry and are well experienced. You will earn an average of $91,091 per year.

ScoreResearch And Development Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $98,808

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.16%

Asian 16.51%

Black or African American 2.83%

Hispanic or Latino 7.87%

Unknown 4.52%

White 68.11%

Gender

female 27.70%

male 72.30%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Research and development project manager career paths

Key steps to become a research and development project manager

  1. Explore research and development project manager education requirements

    Most common research and development project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.4 %

    Master's

    20.3 %

    Associate

    4.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific research and development project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    R15.46%
    Project Management15.05%
    Product Development6.79%
    Medical Devices6.64%
    Portfolio5.24%
  3. Complete relevant research and development project manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New research and development project managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a research and development project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real research and development project manager resumes.
  4. Research research and development project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Linux/Apache server configuration for company version control and bug tracking, creating PHP/MySQL database on server for product specification library.
    • Prepare, organize, and review paperwork for lot release in accordance with FDA, USP, and ISO standards.
    • Comply with MFi, ISO 13485 and partner with FitLinxx (CSAFE), Netpulse (NetpulseOne) and LiveStrong.
    • Select the PLC, HMI and instrument requirements for projects.
  5. Prepare your research and development project manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your research and development project manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a research and development project manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable research and development project manager resume templates

    Build a professional research and development project manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your research and development project manager resume.
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
    Research And Development Project Manager Resume
  6. Apply for research and development project manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a research and development project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first research and development project manager job

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Average research and development project manager salary

The average research and development project manager salary in the United States is $98,808 per year or $48 per hour. Research and development project manager salaries range between $67,000 and $144,000 per year.

Average research and development project manager salary
$98,808 Yearly
$47.50 hourly

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Research and development project manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

I love managing teams and taking the challenge


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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