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The differences between clinical trials associates 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 trials associate and a clinical research manager. Additionally, a clinical research manager has an average salary of $96,504, which is higher than the $74,952 average annual salary of a clinical trials associate.
The top three skills for a clinical trials associate include informed consent, patients and clinical operations. The most important skills for a clinical research manager are patients, oversight, and FDA.
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $74,952 | $96,504 |
| Hourly rate | $36.03 | $46.40 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,487 | 100,000 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A clinical trial associate is in charge of coordinating and executing clinical trial operations, ensuring to meet all goals within budgets and deadlines. Their responsibilities revolve around preparing and processing necessary documentation and certifications, submitting requirements to government agencies, distributing essential materials within the clinical teams, and reviewing study sheets, ensuring every paperwork is complete and accurate. Furthermore, as a clinical trial associate, it is vital to lead while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
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 trials associates and clinical research managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average salary | $74,952 | $96,504 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $121,000 | Between $66,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Dorsey & Whitney | Varian Medical Systems |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical trials associate and a clinical research manager in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Biology | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical trials associates' and clinical research managers' demographics:
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 25.3% Female, 74.7% | Male, 21.5% Female, 78.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 13.4% White, 62.3% 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% |