As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Ethics Specialist in the United States is $115,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Clinical Ethics Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Clinical Ethics Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Clinical Ethics Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Clinical Ethics Specialist | $113,104 |
| Intermediate Level Clinical Ethics Specialist | $113,331 |
| Senior Level Clinical Ethics Specialist | $114,239 |
| Specialist Level Clinical Ethics Specialist | $115,600 |
| Expert Level Clinical Ethics Specialist | $117,472 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Clinical Ethics Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 7.25% |
| Spiritual Care | 4.35% |
| Clinical Practice | 1.45% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Care
|
$165,308 |
43%
|
|
Spiritual Care
|
$152,592 |
32%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$150,280 |
30%
|
|
Commitment
|
$127,160 |
10%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$123,692 |
7%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$119,068 |
3%
|
Clinical Ethics Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $130,077. While startup companies pay approximate $110,483.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $110,483 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $116,723 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $125,725 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $130,077 |
For Clinical Ethics Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Clinical Ethics Specialist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Clinical Ethics Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $161,840 | $78.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $150,280 | $72.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical Ethics Specialists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Clinical Ethics Specialist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $108,021 and $114,913).
Clinical Ethics Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 50.0% |
Understanding how a Clinical Ethics Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Clinical Ethics Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Hospital Mission and Values Implementation | $180,600 | 56% |
| Ethics and Compliance Analyst IV | $118,400 | 2% |
| Director of Healthcare System Mission and Values Implementation | $245,900 | 113% |
Salaries for a Clinical Ethics Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $98,765 in 2023 to around $95,534 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Clinical Ethics Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $98,765 |
| 2024 | $96,759 |
| 2025 | $95,534 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Clinical Ethics Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
A Clinical Ethics Specialist earns a salary ranging from $101,800 to $127,800, with a mid-salary of $112,900. This role involves navigating complex ethical issues in healthcare, requiring strong analytical and communication skills. While not the highest-paid specialty, it plays a crucial role in patient care and decision-making.
An Ethics Advisor, specifically a Clinical Ethics Specialist, typically earns an annual salary ranging from $101,800 to $127,800, with a median salary of $112,900. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to the lower figures reported for other regions, indicating a better deal for those in this specialized role.
As of now, the salary for a Clinical Ethics Specialist in the United States ranges from $101,800 to $127,800 annually, with a median salary of $112,900. This translates to approximately $48.94 to $61.42 per hour, or about $8,483 to $10,650 per month.
A clinical fellowship typically takes 36 weeks of full-time experience, which amounts to 1260 hours (or equivalent part-time experience). As a Clinical Ethics Specialist, you can expect a salary range from $101,800 to $127,800, with a midpoint of $112,900, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities in this field.
Graduates with a Master's in Ethics and Organizational Behavior can pursue various careers, including Clinical Ethics Specialist, where salaries range from $101,800 to $127,800, with a midpoint of $112,900. Other options include executive leadership, senior management, ethics compliance, public policy research, international affairs, and healthcare administration.
The salary data for a Clinical Ethics Specialist indicates a minimum salary of $101,800, a mid-range salary of $112,900, and a maximum salary of $127,800. This positions Clinical Ethics Specialists with competitive earnings compared to other consulting roles, reflecting their specialized expertise in healthcare ethics.
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