Research administrator vs clinical trials associate

The differences between research administrators and clinical trials associates 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 trials associate. Additionally, a clinical trials associate has an average salary of $74,952, 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 trials associate are informed consent, patients, and clinical operations.

Research administrator vs clinical trials associate overview

	Research Administrator	Clinical Trials Associate
Yearly salary	$52,667	$74,952
Hourly rate	$25.32	$36.03
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	99,798	55,487
Job satisfaction	2	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 trials associate do?

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.

Research administrator vs clinical trials associate salary

Research administrators and clinical trials associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Research Administrator	Clinical Trials Associate
Average salary	$52,667	$74,952
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $67,000	Between $46,000 And $121,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	California
Best paying company	Kronos Incorporated	Dorsey & Whitney
Best paying industry	Health Care	Pharmaceutical

Differences between research administrator and clinical trials associate education

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

	Research Administrator	Clinical Trials Associate
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Biology
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Research administrator vs clinical trials associate demographics

Here are the differences between research administrators' and clinical trials associates' demographics:

	Research Administrator	Clinical Trials Associate
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%	Male, 25.3% Female, 74.7%
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, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 13.4% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between research administrator and clinical trials associate 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 trials associate example responsibilities.

Manage trial master files and study document to meet GCP/ICH and internal guidelines for records retention.
Audit TMF to ensure all require regulatory documentation are collected and lead.
Work closely with investigators to recruit eligible patients to clinical protocols, manage data collection and preparation.
Preform ICF customization in accordance with ICH guidelines, GCP s and local regulatory requirements.
Support the setup, data entry and QC of the system to ensure accuracy and quality of data.
Monitor clinical data and resolve inconsistencies according to FDA regulations and ICF guidelines.

Research administrator vs clinical trials associate skills

Common research administrator skills

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

Common clinical trials associate skills

Informed Consent, 9%
Patients, 7%
Clinical Operations, 6%
FDA, 6%
Consent Forms, 5%
TMF, 5%

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Research Administrator
Research Administrator vs Clinical Trials Associate

Updated January 8, 2025

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