Research administrator vs clinical trial manager

The differences between research administrators and clinical trial 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 trial manager. Additionally, a clinical trial manager has an average salary of $93,644, 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 trial manager are patients, clinical trial management, and clinical operations.

Research administrator vs clinical trial manager overview

	Research Administrator	Clinical Trial Manager
Yearly salary	$52,667	$93,644
Hourly rate	$25.32	$45.02
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	99,798	60,284
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 trial manager do?

A clinical trial manager is primarily responsible for organizing and supervising clinical trials, ensuring to meet all goals while maintaining smooth operations. They are also responsible for collaborating with managers to set targets, hiring staff and participants for studies, and arranging the event. This planning includes its location and schedule. A clinical trial manager must also maintain documentation of all processes, liaise with scientists and key personnel, acquire necessary legal paperwork and certifications, and gather data accurately. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to implement the company's policies and regulations at all times.

Research administrator vs clinical trial manager salary

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

	Research Administrator	Clinical Trial Manager
Average salary	$52,667	$93,644
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $67,000	Between $61,000 And $142,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	San Rafael, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	California
Best paying company	Kronos Incorporated	Editas Medicine
Best paying industry	Health Care	Pharmaceutical

Differences between research administrator and clinical trial manager education

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

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

Research administrator vs clinical trial manager demographics

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

	Research Administrator	Clinical Trial Manager
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%	Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6%
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, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 11.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between research administrator and clinical trial 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 trial manager example responsibilities.

Manage SAEs and assure they are properly record and report.
Manage CRO vendors and ensure timely execution of study milestones.
Manage assign independent consultants and employee CRAs regarding project-relate issues.
Lead study data management activities for oncology trials in preparation for study close-out.
Ensure study adherence to all regulatory matters and sponsor requirements according to FDA regulations, GCP and ICH guidelines.
Create document templates require by FDA and ICH regulations for site distribution.

Research administrator vs clinical trial manager skills

Common research administrator skills

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

Common clinical trial manager skills

Patients, 8%
Clinical Trial Management, 7%
Clinical Operations, 6%
Clinical Research, 6%
Oversight, 6%
Project Management, 5%

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Research Administrator
Research Administrator vs Clinical Trial Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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