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The differences between clinical research specialists and 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 specialist and a clinical research associate. Additionally, a clinical research associate has an average salary of $62,966, which is higher than the $60,945 average annual salary of a clinical research specialist.
The top three skills for a clinical research specialist include patients, clinical trials and informed consent. The most important skills for a clinical research associate are patients, informed consent, and CRA.
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $60,945 | $62,966 |
| Hourly rate | $29.30 | $30.27 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 96,707 | 94,336 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A clinical research associate is responsible for assisting medical professionals in clinical trials and conducting research studies on medications and medical procedures. Clinical research associates monitor the research materials, ensuring its safety and reliability through trial procedures, writing comprehensive reports of results, and disseminating information across the concerned parties. They also provide recommendations on improving clinical processes, reiterating protocol requirements, and maintaining strict confidentiality of the trial subjects. A clinical research associate must have extensive knowledge of the medical industry, including its disciplines and principles, to perform duties accurately under minimal supervision.
Clinical research specialists and clinical research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $60,945 | $62,966 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $87,000 | Between $43,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical research specialist and a clinical research associate in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical research specialists' and clinical research associates' demographics:
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Associate | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% | Male, 28.3% Female, 71.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 13.0% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |