The Research and Development Survey

In This Section:

1) About the Survey 2) Advisory Board 3) Participants 4) Request Information

About the Survey
The Research and Development Survey is a combination maturity curve and benchmark survey conducted annually. The survey covers cash compensation - base salaries and bonuses - for Scientists and Engineers. The Research and Development Survey has been in existence since 1956 and was administered by its membership through 2002. Beginning in 2003, the survey has been administered by Pearl Meyer & Partners to provide third-party confidentiality and independence.

The membership includes leading, nationally recognized profit and non-profit Research and Development companies/organizations.

Our objectives are to:

• Provide the highest quality compensation information available anywhere
• Include the benchmark competitors our clients need
• Lead for our partners
• Provide the best value proposition
• Offer a survey experience that is as easy as possible

Membership Requirements
To maintain membership in the Research and Development Survey, participants must meet the following requirements on an annual basis:

• Requires Advisory Committee approval
• Timely submission of completed:
  • Job Data Input, including:
    • Base Salary
    • Non-Base Pay
  • Policies and Practices Questionnaire
• Participation in the quality assurance process by reviewing and responding to the Quality Assurance Report.
• Ability to provide a complete submission (Highest Degree, Date of First Degree).
• Ability to match a minimum of 100 R&D Scientists/Engineers.
• Attendance at annual Research and Development Survey participant meeting is expected.

Survey Reports / Data Reported
R&D Survey reports data, including eligibility rates and participation rates, for:

• Base salaries.
• Non-Base Pay, including annual bonuses, lump sum merit bonuses, special achievement awards, and profit sharing.
• Policies and Practices, such as merit budgets and structure adjustments and compensation policies.