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The differences between clinical research scientists and senior clinical research associates 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 scientist and a senior clinical research associate. Additionally, a clinical research scientist has an average salary of $99,160, which is higher than the $95,878 average annual salary of a senior clinical research associate.
The top three skills for a clinical research scientist include clinical research, clinical trials and clinical development. The most important skills for a senior clinical research associate are patients, informed consent, and oncology.
| Clinical Research Scientist | Senior Clinical Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $99,160 | $95,878 |
| Hourly rate | $47.67 | $46.10 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 128,547 | 94,045 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A clinical research scientist is responsible for assisting physicians in conducting laboratory research and examinations to identify diseases and establish treatment plans. They also inspect medical tools and equipment to prevent hazards and operational delays. A clinical research scientist must have excellent communication skills and extensive knowledge of the medical industry to provide the highest quality care services for the patients.
A Senior Clinical Research Associate performs and coordinates all aspects of the clinical monitoring and site management process. They design, implement, and monitor clinical trials.
Clinical research scientists and senior clinical research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Scientist | Senior Clinical Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $99,160 | $95,878 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $154,000 | Between $64,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Acorda Therapeutics |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical research scientist and a senior clinical research associate in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Scientist | Senior Clinical Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Duke University |
Here are the differences between clinical research scientists' and senior clinical research associates' demographics:
| Clinical Research Scientist | Senior Clinical Research Associate | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 35.4% Female, 64.6% | Male, 28.2% Female, 71.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 13.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 11.6% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |