Here's how you can gather information for salary negotiation in R&D.

The information you need to have is related to your skills, executive records, educational records and technical records. Of course, academic activities that have an impact on the industry can both improve your work and get noticed in the salary negotiation with the employer, and you can talk more easily about the salary with the employer. Receiving valid letters of recommendation from renowned national and international craftsmen can also increase your salary.

Quantify the impact of your projects - cost savings, efficiency gains, or revenue generated. Highlight unique skills - are you a patent author or lead complex projects? Research average salaries for your experience, title, and location. Don't forget industry trends and in-demand skill sets. This intel positions you to confidently showcase your value and negotiate the compensation you deserve.

Understanding your worth within the R&D sector is crucial. Start by assessing your qualifications, including your education, skills, and experience. Consider the unique value you bring to your role, such as specialized knowledge or a proven track record of innovation. Reflect on your accomplishments and how they’ve benefited your team or company. This self-assessment will serve as the foundation for your negotiation, giving you the confidence to articulate why you deserve a higher salary. Knowing your worth empowers you to advocate effectively for your contributions and ensures you are compensated fairly for your expertise and impact.

No single standard exists, but research is crucial! Utilize salary websites like Salary.com or Glassdoor to find averages for your R&D title, location, and experience. Don't stop there! Look for industry reports or publications that mention R&D salary trends. Network with colleagues (past or present) for real-world insights, especially those in similar roles. This combined intel equips you to understand your market value and negotiate a competitive R&D salary.

Leverage your network! Reach out to past colleagues or connect with R&D professionals on LinkedIn in similar roles (title, experience, location). Be upfront about your salary research and ask for their insights on their compensation and benefits. Remember, discretion is key. Anonymize details from their response to protect their privacy while bolstering your understanding of the R&D salary landscape for your negotiation.

All of the above suggestions are very useful. I would add the following mind experiment: Imagine yourself in your manager's place. What is it about your service that would make it reasonable for him to WANT to give you a better salary ? Imagine If he asked you to "forfeit" 2% of your salary to increase his, what would your first reaction be ? How about 5%? What might actually make you WANT to do so? The answer may provide clues as to what you could do to warrant your request. In any case, an important first step in getting a raise would be for the grantor to really WANT to give you that raise !