How much does a Clinical Research Associate make?

The average salary for a Clinical Research Associate is $81,780 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 5406 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Clinical Research Associate employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Clinical Research Associate in United States is $107,150 per year.

The lowest salary for a Clinical Research Associate in United States is $62,594 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Clinical Research Associate or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Clinical Research Associate.

Working as a clinical research associate (CRA) allows one to perform intellectually stimulating and impactful work with frequent travel. Pay is high, sometimes reaching into the six-figure range. Clinical research associates who have experience overseeing largescale and successful trials are typically in the most demand. CRA who work for large pharmaceutical companies typically receive the highest pay.

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Approximately 69% of all clinical research associates are satisfied with the amount of money they make per year, according to anonymous reviews from employees. On-the-job training or higher education provides greater opportunities and higher-tier salaries.

Top pay for clinical research associates varies depending on the industry, with some of the top earners in hospitals and medical laboratories. Salaries range from $49,222.79 and $136,359.52 depending on the amount of education, training, and experience and where you are in your clinical research associate career path. Most top earners have years of relevant experience.

Clinical research associate careers vary greatly due to the number of clinical trials offered. You can specialize your studies on a single subject or search for a position that offers work in a wide variety of research areas. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related science field. Technicians need at least an Associate's degree in lab science or a related field. Depending on where you live, your state may require licensure, including a general certification in lab technology. In school, you should focus your extracurricular studies on lab sciences and math, including chemistry and biology.

Know the typical salary outlook for the position you're applying for before you get to the interview stage. Salaries can vary greatly depending on where you live in the country and even within your own state. Assess your skills and experience and explain to your potential employer how these attributes make you an excellent candidate for the clinical research associate position. Clinical research technologists should be fluent in research software programs, including ePRO, eCOA, or Telemedicine. Provide concrete examples of how your level of education and experience make you beneficial to the job you're applying for.