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Research and development project manager vs information technology project manager

The differences between research and development project managers and information technology project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become a research and development project manager, becoming an information technology project manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an information technology project manager has an average salary of $106,981, which is higher than the $98,808 average annual salary of a research and development project manager.

The top three skills for a research and development project manager include R, project management and product development. The most important skills for an information technology project manager are project management, infrastructure, and scrum.

Research and development project manager vs information technology project manager overview

Research And Development Project ManagerInformation Technology Project Manager
Yearly salary$98,808$106,981
Hourly rate$47.50$51.43
Growth rate2%-
Number of jobs159,437207,249
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4844
Years of experience-6

What does a research and development project manager do?

It is the responsibility of a research and development manager to research, plan, and implement new protocols and programs into their organization. Research and development managers supervise research and the development of new knowledge-based products. They create research programs that incorporate existing developments for product improvement. To become a research and development manager, one needs research experience, skills in research and development projects, and work experience in the industry.

What does an information technology project manager do?

An information technology project manager is responsible for supervising the technology department, ensuring that all tasks are being done by following technological strategies and solutions. Information technology project managers' duties include monitoring the technology team's daily operation, handling team members' concerns, managing customers' inquiries and complaints, helping team members' in achieving their professional growth, creating reports, sharing updates during team and board meetings, and maintaining effectivity of operational procedures. An information technology project manager must have excellent leadership and decision-making skills to decide on the best strategies in meeting the company's objectives.

Research and development project manager vs information technology project manager salary

Research and development project managers and information technology project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research And Development Project ManagerInformation Technology Project Manager
Average salary$98,808$106,981
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $144,000Between $76,000 And $149,000
Highest paying CityBerkeley, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyThe Walt Disney CompanyReed Smith
Best paying industryProfessionalTechnology

Differences between research and development project manager and information technology project manager education

There are a few differences between a research and development project manager and an information technology project manager in terms of educational background:

Research And Development Project ManagerInformation Technology Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborStanford University

Research and development project manager vs information technology project manager demographics

Here are the differences between research and development project managers' and information technology project managers' demographics:

Research And Development Project ManagerInformation Technology Project Manager
Average age4844
Gender ratioMale, 72.3% Female, 27.7%Male, 66.4% Female, 33.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 16.5% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%11%

Differences between research and development project manager and information technology project manager duties and responsibilities

Research and development project manager example 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.
  • Develop scope and estimate for PLC applications and DCS expansions.
  • Image creation of AutoCAD workstations-Roll out new versions-configure AutoCAD standards.
  • Show more

Information technology project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage schedules, payroll, and customer relations for all subordinates.
  • Prepare detailed work breakdown structures (WBS) and instill shared accountability for achieving project milestones.
  • Project hardware and software resources are manage through accurate control of notebook, desktop and remote server master build configurations.
  • Manage change windows and verify impact to production environment.
  • Manage Java development team in translating functional specifications into J2EE application.
  • Manage approximately twenty small/medium EDI projects simultaneously for national medical insurance providers for transportation.
  • Show more

Research and development project manager vs information technology project manager skills

Common research and development project manager skills
  • R, 15%
  • Project Management, 15%
  • Product Development, 7%
  • Medical Devices, 7%
  • Portfolio, 5%
  • D Project, 4%
Common information technology project manager skills
  • Project Management, 16%
  • Infrastructure, 7%
  • Scrum, 5%
  • Software Development, 4%
  • Project Scope, 4%
  • Risk Management, 3%

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