Research administrator vs clinical project manager

The differences between research administrators and clinical project 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 research administrator and a clinical project manager. Additionally, a clinical project manager has an average salary of $100,510, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a research administrator include research administration, customer service and principal investigators. The most important skills for a clinical project manager are manage cross, patients, and clinical research.

Research administrator vs clinical project manager overview

	Research Administrator	Clinical Project Manager
Yearly salary	$52,667	$100,510
Hourly rate	$25.32	$48.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	99,798	153,837
Job satisfaction	2	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a clinical project manager do?

A clinical project manager specializes in developing and organizing clinical trials. Their responsibilities revolve around planning and coordinating with all necessary personnel and experts, scheduling meetings, and preparing necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations. Moreover, a clinical project manager must devise strategies and train all staff, develop protocols and guidelines, coordinate with vendors and suppliers, evaluate staff and verify documentation, and assist in all activities to ensure that every process aligns with the project's agenda. Should there be any issues or concerns, a clinical project manager must conduct corrective measures right away.

Research administrator vs clinical project manager salary

Research administrators and clinical project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Research Administrator	Clinical Project Manager
Average salary	$52,667	$100,510
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $67,000	Between $74,000 And $136,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	South San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	California
Best paying company	Kronos Incorporated	Intuitive Surgical
Best paying industry	Health Care	Pharmaceutical

Differences between research administrator and clinical project manager education

There are a few differences between a research administrator and a clinical project manager in terms of educational background:

	Research Administrator	Clinical Project Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Research administrator vs clinical project manager demographics

Here are the differences between research administrators' and clinical project managers' demographics:

	Research Administrator	Clinical Project Manager
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%	Male, 32.5% Female, 67.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 10.8% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between research administrator and clinical project manager duties and responsibilities

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

Clinical project manager example responsibilities.

Develop, manage, motivate and ensure professional development of project staff (13 CRAs).
Manage domestic and international oncology clinical study sites.
Manage multiple pharmaceutical studies ensuring compliance with FDA guidelines.
Manage the operational aspects and execution of clinical studies focusing on oncology.
Supervise rotating team of CRA's contract with the CRO, educating on therapeutic area, and ensuring ICH GCP compliance.
Ensure GCP / ICH regulatory compliance on studies, preventing study deviations and provide swift resolutions to possible violations.

Research administrator vs clinical project manager skills

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

Common clinical project manager skills

Manage Cross, 12%
Patients, 9%
Clinical Research, 8%
Project Management, 7%
Clinical Trials, 5%
Oversight, 5%

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Research Administrator
Research Administrator vs Clinical Project Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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