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The differences between clinical data specialists and clinical research specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a clinical data specialist, becoming a clinical research specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a clinical data specialist has an average salary of $62,592, which is higher than the $60,945 average annual salary of a clinical research specialist.
The top three skills for a clinical data specialist include patients, data collection and patient care. The most important skills for a clinical research specialist are patients, clinical trials, and informed consent.
| Clinical Data Specialist | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $62,592 | $60,945 |
| Hourly rate | $30.09 | $29.30 |
| Growth rate | 31% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 123,586 | 96,707 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Clinical data specialists offer data management support for clinical trials and pharmaceutical research. These specialists review the research study and trial data. They determine the trends of data trends and verify data entry. Their job includes providing suggestions for improvement and generates reports. They disseminate information on paper into electronic data systems. They supervise the conversion process and work closely with their clients ensuring accurate and accessible data--also, the research data sources for information validity verification.
An air traffic controller specializes in overseeing and directing airspace traffic, all while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travels. Generally assigned in ground control centers and towers, an air traffic controller's responsibilities revolve around utilizing technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel. They also work on coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel should there be any emergencies.
Clinical data specialists and clinical research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Data Specialist | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $62,592 | $60,945 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $89,000 | Between $42,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Abiomed | Edwards Lifesciences |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical data specialist and a clinical research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Data Specialist | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical data specialists' and clinical research specialists' demographics:
| Clinical Data Specialist | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.7% Female, 75.3% | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 22.7% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 11.0% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |