How to Become a Research Manager?
Are you thinking of becoming a Research Manager or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Research Manager, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Research Manager job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Research Manager
If you're considering starting your Research Manager career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Research Manager and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Research Manager career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Research Manager career path, a Bachelor's Degree in information systems or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Research Manager internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What type of degree should you pursue to become a Research Manager?
85% of people working as a Research Manager earned a Bachelor's Degree
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Research Manager, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Research Manager field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Research Manager specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Research Manager
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in information systems or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Research Manager. In general, you can become a Research Manager after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Research Manager role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in itil v4.4
Advance in Your Research Manager Career
Following entry-level, there are several Research Manager career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Research Manager to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Research Manager position requires approximately 2 years of experience at each level to advance in your Research Manager career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Research Manager career path.5
Continued Education for Your Research Manager Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Research Manager career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in information systems can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $125,676 compared to $52,584 for those without that type of degree.Research Manager Career Path
Research Manager
5 - 7Years of Experience
$89K - $149K /yrMost Likely Range
Research Manager Associate Manager
5 - 7Years of Experience
$79K - $135K /yrMost Likely Range
Research Manager Senior Manager
5 - 7Years of Experience
$137K - $230K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Research Manager Career Path
Assistant Research Manager
Associate Research Manager
Research Manager Ii
Senior Research Manager
Research Manager
Research Supervisor
Research Manager Associate Manager
Research Manager Senior Manager
Assistant Research Director
Associate Research Director
Research Director
Senior Research Director
Vice President of Research and Insights
$40K
$84K
$128K
$172K
$260K
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Related Careers in the Research & Science Industry
Interested in other Research & Science careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Research Manager skills. Discover some of the most common Research Manager career transitions, along with skills overlap.