Clinical research monitor vs research administrator

The differences between clinical research monitors and research administrators 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 monitor and a research administrator. Additionally, a clinical research monitor has an average salary of $73,325, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a clinical research monitor include FDA, clinical trials and informed consent. The most important skills for a research administrator are research administration, customer service, and principal investigators.

Clinical research monitor vs research administrator overview

	Clinical Research Monitor	Research Administrator
Yearly salary	$73,325	$52,667
Hourly rate	$35.25	$25.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	98,690	99,798
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a clinical research monitor do?

A clinical research monitor monitors all data, observations, information, and feedback from research and experiments. A clinical research monitor is essential in any research laboratory as accurate measurements and collation of data is essential for proper determination and interpretation. In the medical field of study, data accuracy is an absolute necessity as the prescribing of proper medication is only possible if the diagnosis is precise, based on accurate data results of tests. Other additional tasks of a clinical research monitor are organizing data, providing reports, and suggesting improvements in data gathering and monitoring.

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Clinical research monitor vs research administrator salary

Clinical research monitors and research administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Clinical Research Monitor	Research Administrator
Average salary	$73,325	$52,667
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $114,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	-	Massachusetts
Best paying company	-	Kronos Incorporated
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between clinical research monitor and research administrator education

There are a few differences between a clinical research monitor and a research administrator in terms of educational background:

	Clinical Research Monitor	Research Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Nursing	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Stanford University

Clinical research monitor vs research administrator demographics

Here are the differences between clinical research monitors' and research administrators' demographics:

	Clinical Research Monitor	Research Administrator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 11.4% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between clinical research monitor and research administrator duties and responsibilities

Clinical research monitor example responsibilities.

Manage a consultant to review scientific support and create dossiers on each product that make health claims in the EU.
Maintain CTMS project tracking system of subject and site information and essential documents.
Collect and review all initial regulatory documents from site for submission to IRB and sponsor.
Coordinate and conduct the training of site personnel on protocols, CRF review and conduct source document verification.
Resolve CRF discrepancies and/or clarifications via site visit, telephone, email or fax as deemed appropriate for the study.
Prepare high quality site documents and collect country-specific information for IRB processes.

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

Clinical research monitor vs research administrator skills

Common clinical research monitor skills

FDA, 12%
Clinical Trials, 11%
Informed Consent, 11%
IRB, 4%
ICH-GCP, 4%
Clinical Operations, 4%

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

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Clinical Research Monitor
Clinical Research Monitor vs Research Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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