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The differences between clinical research assistants 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 research assistant and a clinical research manager. Additionally, a clinical research manager has an average salary of $96,504, which is higher than the $39,837 average annual salary of a clinical research assistant.
The top three skills for a clinical research assistant include patients, informed consent and data collection. The most important skills for a clinical research manager are patients, oversight, and FDA.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $39,837 | $96,504 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $46.40 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 97,380 | 100,000 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Clinical research assistants are responsible for assisting with scientific studies and monitoring clinical trials. Other duties and responsibilities include ensuring compliance with clinical trial procedures and protocols, finding research subjects, and collecting and analyzing data. In addition, they are responsible for overseeing clinical site activities and preparing documentation, presentation, and correspondence on findings. They are also expected to prepare informed consent for clinical trials and conduct audits on research trials. The skills and qualifications required for this role include a bachelor's degree in psychology, science or related field, previous work experience, and excellent communication skills.
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 research assistants and clinical research managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average salary | $39,837 | $96,504 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $54,000 | Between $66,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | Farmington, CT | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Varian Medical Systems |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical research assistant and a clinical research manager in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Biology | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical research assistants' and clinical research managers' demographics:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% | Male, 21.5% Female, 78.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.9% White, 63.1% 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% |