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The differences between clinical trials associates and clinical research specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a clinical trials associate has an average salary of $74,952, which is higher than the $60,945 average annual salary of a clinical research specialist.
The top three skills for a clinical trials associate include informed consent, patients and clinical operations. The most important skills for a clinical research specialist are patients, clinical trials, and informed consent.
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $74,952 | $60,945 |
| Hourly rate | $36.03 | $29.30 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,487 | 96,707 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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.
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.
Clinical trials associates and clinical research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $74,952 | $60,945 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $121,000 | Between $42,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Dorsey & Whitney | Edwards Lifesciences |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a clinical trials associate and a clinical research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical trials associates' and clinical research specialists' demographics:
| Clinical Trials Associate | Clinical Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 25.3% Female, 74.7% | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% |
| 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, 14.9% Asian, 11.0% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |