▼9%
$71,593
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$38k
MEDIAN
$72k
90%
$87k
The average salary for a Research and Development Engineer is $71,593 in 2025
Base Salary
$38k - $87k
Bonus
$518 - $3k
Profit Sharing
$511 - $2k
Total Pay
$39k - $86k
Is Average Early-Career Research and Development Engineer with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) 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 and Development Engineers?
What Do Research and Development Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Research and Development Engineer
Medical
80%
Dental
80%
Vision
60%
None
20%
Gender Breakdown for Research and Development Engineers
Male
100.0%
This data is based on 8 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Research and Development Engineers
What is the highest pay for Research and Development Engineers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Research and Development Engineer is $87k / year
What is the lowest pay for Research and Development Engineers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Research and Development Engineer is $38k / year
How can Research and Development Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Research and Development Engineer 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 and Development Engineer that oversees more junior Research and Development Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.