UK AI Job-Risk Index · SOC 2010 2150
Ranks #84 of 293 for AI exposure (1 = most exposed)
How exposed to AI are research and development managers?
75/100
AI exposure score (percentile across all 365 occupations DfE scored)
High#84
of 293 UK occupations (1 = most exposed)
£49,000
median full-time pay (ONS ASHE 2020) · 63,000 employee jobs
Research and development managers sits in the high exposure band: its abilities overlap with current AI applications more than about 75% of the 365 UK occupations the Department for Education scored. High exposure usually means AI can help with many of the tasks involved, such as drafting, analysis or information handling. That can change how the job is done, but it is not a forecast that the job will disappear.
Underlying scores: AIOE (all AI) 0.96, LLM exposure 0.93 (standardised; 0 is the average occupation). Skill level: Level 4. Pay and job counts are 2020 figures, so use them to compare occupations rather than as current salaries.
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Job titles in this occupation
Titles the ONS SOC 2010 coding index places in unit group 2150. If your job title is here, this page uses the right figures for you.
rm&g manager · design manager · insights manager · research manager · analytics manager · laboratory manager · research and development manager
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Lower-risk related jobs
Occupations in the same SOC 2010 sub-major group with a lower AI exposure score, highest-paid first. Pay difference is against £49,000 (ONS ASHE 2020 median, full-time). Switching usually needs retraining; this is a starting point, not advice.
| Occupation | Exposure | Median pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical engineers | 68/100 | £52,064 | +£3,064 |
| Mechanical engineers | 74/100 | £42,745 | −£6,255 |
| Biological scientists and biochemists | 67/100 | £37,390 | −£11,610 |
| Natural and social science professionals n.e.c. | 70/100 | £37,215 | −£11,785 |
| Chemical scientists | 73/100 | £32,542 | −£16,458 |
Occupations with similar exposure
- Mechanical engineers (74/100)
- Call and contact centre occupations (74/100)
- Functional managers and directors n.e.c. (75/100)
- Personal assistants and other secretaries (74/100)
← #83 Functional managers and directors n.e.c. · #85 Mechanical engineers →
FAQ: Research and development managers and AI
Will AI replace research and development managers?
The index does not predict job losses. Research and development managers has an AI exposure score of 75/100 (high band), ranking #84 of 293 UK occupations, where 1 is the most exposed. High exposure means AI can help with many of the tasks involved, which usually changes how the job is done.
How does this compare with similar jobs?
Research and development managers is one of 20 occupations in its SOC 2010 sub-major group in the index; 12 of the others are more exposed to AI.
How much do research and development managers earn?
Median gross annual pay for full-time employees was £49,000 in ONS ASHE 2020 (Table 14), across about 63,000 employee jobs. These are 2020 figures, so use them to compare jobs rather than as current salaries.
Which related jobs are less exposed to AI?
In the same sub-major group, lower-exposure occupations include Electrical engineers (68/100, £52,064), Mechanical engineers (74/100, £42,745), Biological scientists and biochemists (67/100, £37,390).
Where does this data come from?
AI exposure uses Department for Education (2023) AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) scores; pay and job counts come from ONS ASHE 2020. Job titles come from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index.
Source: Department for Education (2023), The impact of AI on UK jobs and training (AIOE scores); ONS ASHE 2020 Table 14; job titles from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index (v7). Exposure is not a prediction of job loss. Methodology · Embed this data
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