2161 Research and development (r&d) managers

In short

• ONS unit group 2161, in minor group 216 (Research and development (r&d) and other research professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 1, Table 2.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £54,400 (£27.90 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £40,000 (£20.51 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Managers in this unit group plan, organise, co-ordinate and manage resources to undertake the systematic investigation necessary for the development of new, or to enhance the performance of existing, products and services.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess a relevant degree or equivalent qualification. Training is usually provided on-the-job, although support may be provided for postgraduate study. Professional qualifications are available.

Tasks

• establishes product design and performance objectives in consultation with other business functions
• liaises with production departments to investigate and resolve manufacturing problems
• develops research methodology, implements and reports upon research investigations undertaken
• plans work schedules, assigns tasks and delegates responsibilities to the research and development team
• monitors the standards of scientific and technical research undertaken by the research team

Related job titles

• Clinical trials manager
• Consumer insights manager
• Creative manager (research and development)
• Design manager
• Market research manager
• Research manager (broadcasting)

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2161 Research and development (R&D) managers

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Laboratory managers
• Research and development (R&D) design managers
• Research and development (R&D) managers not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£54,400 (£27.90 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£48,900 (£25.08 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£43,500 (£22.31 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£38,100 (£19.54 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on 25th percentile Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2161 Research and development (R&D) managers

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

1139, 2150

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Laboratory managers
• Research and development (R&D) design managers
• Research and development (R&D) managers not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£40,000 (£20.51 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£36,000 (£18.46 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£32,000 (£16.41 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£28,000 (£14.36 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 216

• 2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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