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The differences between clinical associates and clinical research managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clinical associate and a clinical research manager. Additionally, a clinical research manager has an average salary of $96,504, which is higher than the $91,027 average annual salary of a clinical associate.
The top three skills for a clinical associate include patients, rehabilitation and home health. The most important skills for a clinical research manager are patients, oversight, and FDA.
| Clinical Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $91,027 | $96,504 |
| Hourly rate | $43.76 | $46.40 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 56,977 | 100,000 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A clinical associate is responsible for supporting the operations of a medical facility by performing administrative and clerical duties as needed to provide high-quality care services for the patients and assisting health care professionals in performing medical procedures. Clinical associates monitor the conditions of the patients, administer medication, collect laboratory samples, and conduct initial medical assessments such as checking temperature and vital signs. A clinical associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on addressing different patients' needs and reporting the patients' progress to the physicians.
A clinical research manager is responsible for leading a clinical research team in conducting clinical trials for medical purposes. Clinical research managers conduct scientific investigations, following critical methods and procedures within the budget goals and discussed timeframe. They monitor the adequacy of laboratory tools and equipment, request purchase orders, and ensure the authenticity of the materials for the accuracy of findings. A clinical research manager also enforces strict safety standards and protocols during clinical trials to avoid potential hazards and chemical contamination.
Clinical associates and clinical research managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average salary | $91,027 | $96,504 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $208,000 | Between $66,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | University of Iowa Center for Advancement | Varian Medical Systems |
| Best paying industry | - | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical associate and a clinical research manager in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Nursing | Nursing |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical associates' and clinical research managers' demographics:
| Clinical Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0% | Male, 21.5% Female, 78.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 8.6% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 9.3% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |