Average Research and development (R&D) managers Salary in Southampton UA
ONS ASHE 2025 · South East region · Updated October 2025
How Southampton UA compares
If you're a research and development (r&d) managers in the South East, the typical salary in 2025 was £53,364. That's 2.7% below what research and development (r&d) managerss earn nationally (£54,857). Factor in the South East's cost of living (3.2% above the UK norm) and a £53,364 salary has the purchasing power of approximately £51,709. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Southampton UA is £33,878, so research and development (r&d) managerss sit 57.5% more that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (South East index: 103.2, UK=100), a salary of £53,364 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £51,709 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the South East is 3.2% above the UK average.
Research and development (R&D) managers salary across UK regions
Research and development (R&D) managers salary in areas near Southampton UA
Salary data is by ONS region. Southampton UA is in the South East 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.
Read the full Research and development (R&D) managers salary guide →Find Research and developmentmanagers jobs in Southampton UA
Explore roles paying around £53,364/year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average research and development (r&d) managers salary in Southampton UA?
The median research and development (r&d) managers salary in the South East (which includes Southampton UA) is £53,364 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 Southampton UA compare to the UK average?
Research and development (R&D) managers in the South East earn 2.7% below the national median of £54,857. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is research and development (r&d) managers a well-paid job in Southampton UA compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Southampton UA is £33,878. Research and development (R&D) managers in the South East earn £53,364, which is 57.5% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for research and development (r&d) managerss cover the South East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Southampton UA. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.