▼25%
$118,688
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$62k
MEDIAN
$119k
90%
$172k
The average salary for a Research Director is $118,688 in 2025
Base Salary
$62k - $172k
Bonus
$2k - $30k
Total Pay
$63k - $192k
Is Average Research Director with Clinical Research Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Research Directors?
What Do Research Directors Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Research Director
Medical
75%
Dental
75%
Vision
63%
None
25%
Gender Breakdown for Research Directors
Female
85.7%
Male
14.3%
This data is based on 14 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Research Directors
What is the highest pay for Research Directors?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Research Director is $172k / year
What is the lowest pay for Research Directors?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Research Director is $62k / year
How can Research Directors increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Research Director is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Research Director that oversees more junior Research Directors, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.