Average Research and development (R&D) managers Salary in Exeter
ONS ASHE 2025 · South West region · Updated October 2025
How Exeter compares
In practical terms, a research and development (r&d) managers in the South West earned a median of £59,333 during 2025, which works out to 8.2% above the UK-wide median of £54,857. In practical terms, living costs in the South West run 3.9% below average. That means £59,333 stretches to roughly £61,741 in real spending power. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Exeter is £30,138, so research and development (r&d) managerss sit 96.9% more that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (South West index: 96.1, UK=100), a salary of £59,333 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £61,741 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the South West is 3.9% below the UK average.
Research and development (R&D) managers salary across UK regions
Research and development (R&D) managers salary in areas near Exeter
Salary data is by ONS region. Exeter is in the South West region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Research and development (R&D) managers Salary Guide
The full salary guide includes regional breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, year-on-year trends, and in-depth FAQs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average research and development (r&d) managers salary in Exeter?
The median research and development (r&d) managers salary in the South West (which includes Exeter) is £59,333 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does research and development (r&d) managers pay in Exeter compare to the UK average?
Research and development (R&D) managers in the South West earn 8.2% above the national median of £54,857. This makes the South West one of the higher-paying regions for this role.
Is research and development (r&d) managers a well-paid job in Exeter compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Exeter is £30,138. Research and development (R&D) managers in the South West earn £59,333, which is 96.9% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for research and development (r&d) managerss cover the South West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Exeter. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.