Laboratory and R&D managers responding to an annual survey of U.S. lubricant industry salaries say they earned an average of $86,032, or 13 percent more than last year.
Number of people supervised and employer size appeared to be major factors in determining salary, according to LubesnGreases magazine, which conducts the survey. Salary Survey 2001 respondents supervising more than 12 people earned an average of $130,250, compared to $80,164 for those supervising five or fewer. Those working for companies employing more than 500 people had an average salary of $97,804, compared to less than $70,000 for those at companies employing 100 or fewer people.
Length of tenure in current position, on the other hand, had little effect on pay. Those holding their jobs less than five years earned an average of $85,865, while those with more than five years in their position earned an average of $85,780. As was the case with last years survey, salaries were highest in the Northeast and Southwest regions, which averaged $90,759 and $91,071, respectively.
A whopping 83 percent of respondents reported receiving raises during the past 12 months. When asked about the outlook for additional compensation, 47 percent indicated that they expect a bonus, while 25 percent expect profit sharing and 14 percent expect to receive stock or equity in their company.
The typical respondent to this years survey is 47 years old, has more than 19 years of experience and has held his or her current position for seven years. The vast majority of respondents – 88 percent – are male.
The survey results for lab and R&D managers were based on responses from 188 individuals at lube manufacturing companies. Results are reported in the November issue of Lubes’n’Greases, which will be published this week. The magazine reported on salaries for sales and marketing professionals in September and plant managers in October.
The complete salary survey report, including year-to-year comparisons, will go on sale in November. For information: LNG Publishing Inc., 6105-G Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044. Phone: (703) 536-0800. Fax: (703) 536-0803.