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The differences between clinical research specialists 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 specialist and a clinical research manager. Additionally, a clinical research manager has an average salary of $96,504, 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 manager are patients, oversight, and FDA.
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $60,945 | $96,504 |
| Hourly rate | $29.30 | $46.40 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 96,707 | 100,000 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| 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 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 specialists and clinical research managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average salary | $60,945 | $96,504 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $87,000 | Between $66,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Varian Medical Systems |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical research specialist and a clinical research manager in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Biology | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical research specialists' and clinical research managers' demographics:
| Clinical Research Specialist | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% | Male, 21.5% Female, 78.5% |
| 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, 2.6% 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% |