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Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salary in the United States

How much does a Clinical Trials Research Associate I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Trials Research Associate I in the United States is $61,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Clinical Trials Research Associate I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,167
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,800 to $70,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,970
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View as table View as graph 25% $52,800 10% $44,970 90% $79,167 75% $70,700 $61,400 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $70,700 $5,892 $1,360 $34
Average $61,400 $5,117 $1,181 $30
25th Percentile $52,800 $4,400 $1,015 $25
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Key Factors That Influence Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salaries

A Clinical Trials Research Associate I'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.

How Experience Level Affects Clinical Trials Research Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Clinical Trials Research Associate I'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:

  • Clinical Research Nurse Leader (0-0 years): $94,795
  • Clinical Trials Research Associate I (0-2 years): $61,342
  • Clinical Trials Research Associate II (2-4 years): $70,981
  • Clinical Research Lead Scientist (4-7 years): $100,805
  • Clinical Research Programs Manager (7+ years): $108,897
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Clinical Research Nurse Leader0-0 years$94,795
Clinical Trials Research Associate I0-2 years$61,342
Clinical Trials Research Associate II2-4 years$70,981
Clinical Research Lead Scientist4-7 years$100,805
Clinical Research Programs Manager7+ years$108,897
$94,795 Clinical ...
$61,342 Clinical ...
$70,981 Clinical ...
$100,805 Clinical ...
$108,897 Clinical ...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Trials Research Associate Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $68,000.
  • California: $67,700.
  • Massachusetts: $66,800.

Top Paying Cities for Clinical Trials Research Associate Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $77,400
  • San Francisco: $76,600
  • Oakland: $75,000

What Skills Can Increase a Clinical Trials Research Associate I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Integrity (Mentioned in 5.09% Job Postings): Is about having strong principles and values, which you demonstrate through your conduct in the work environment. A common integrity definition states that people with integrity do the right thing even when nobody is watching.
  • Oncology (Mentioned in 2.46% Job Postings): Designing, constructing, and repairing dental prosthetics and restorative and orthodontic devices to help patients correct dental conditions.
  • Data Collection (Mentioned in 1.46% Job Postings): Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a component of research in all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, and business. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Integrity 5.09%
Oncology 2.46%
Data Collection 1.46%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Clinical Trials Research Associate I's salary.
  • Line Management: Can increase your salary by up to 33%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Patient Safety: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Line Management
$81,662
33%
Dedication
$66,926
9%
Patient Safety
$65,698
7%
Accountability
$65,084
6%
Communicates Effectively
$65,084
6%
Communication Skills
$64,470
5%
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Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Clinical Trials Research Associate I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,089. While startup companies pay approximate $58,682.

Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$58,682
Growth Stage51~500$61,997
Established501~5000$66,778
Enterprise5000+$69,089

Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Clinical Trials Research Associate I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Clinical Trials Research Associate positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Clinical Trials Research Associate I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Clinical Trials Research Associate I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$73,680$35.020%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$67,540$32.010%

How Education impacts a Clinical Trials Research Associate I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical Trials Research Associate Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Trials Research Associate I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,273 and $67,725).

Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Clinical Trials Research Associate I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 2.7%
Associates 1.9%
Bachelors 61.9%
Masters 26.5%
Doctorate 6.6%
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Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Clinical Trials Research Associate I'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, 2026

Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Clinical Trials Research Associate I, 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.

Clinical Trials Research Associate I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Clinical Data Monitor II $77,500 26%
Clinical Trials Research Associate II $71,000 16%

Salary Trends for Clinical Trials Research Associate I

Salaries for a Clinical Trials Research Associate I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $56,713 in 2023 to around $56,724 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Clinical Trials Research Associate I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Clinical Trials Research Associate I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$56,713
2024
$56,824
2025
$56,724
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $56,713
2024 $56,824
2025 $56,724
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Clinical Trials Research Associate I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Clinical Trials Research Associate I

Here are companies hiring for Clinical Trials Research Associate I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Clinical Trials Research Associate I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Clinical Trials Research Associate I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Continuum Medical Staffing

    Columbus, OH

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    6 Days Ago

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    Columbus, OH

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    6 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

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    17 Days Ago

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    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Clinical Trials Research Associate I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Clinical Trials Research Associate I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Clinical Trials Research Associate I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What are the levels of CRA?

There are several levels of the CRA role, which can vary by company. Common titles include CRA 1, CRA 2, Senior CRA (Sr. CRA or SCRA) 1, Sr. CRA 2, Principal CRA, Lead CRA (LCRA), and In-House CRA (IHCRA). Salaries for Clinical Trials Research Associates typically range from $60,200 to $76,600, with a midpoint around $68,500.

3. What is clinical research associate 1?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) 1 is responsible for data collection, documentation, and managing trial-related supplies. This role requires proficiency in electronic data capturing systems and analyses. The salary for this position typically ranges from $60,200 to $76,600, with a midpoint of $68,500, reflecting the importance of their contributions to clinical trials.

4. How much do clinical trials associates make in the US?

Clinical Trials Research Associates in the US typically earn between $60,200 and $76,600 annually, with a median salary of around $68,500. This data reflects a range that may vary based on experience, location, and specific employer, providing a more accurate picture of earnings in this field compared to broader averages.

5. How to become a clinical research associate in the USA?

To become a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) in the USA, consider obtaining the ACRP Certified Clinical Research Associate credential. Requirements include a bachelor's degree with 3,000 hours of CRA experience or a current CCRC, CPI, or ACRP-CP certification with 1,500 hours of work experience. Salaries for CRAs range from $60,200 to $76,600, with a median of $68,500.

6. What is the highest salary for clinical research?

The highest salary for a Clinical Trials Research Associate is approximately $76,600 per year. Salary ranges typically fall between $60,200 and $68,500, depending on experience and location. These figures reflect the compensation landscape for Clinical Research Associates across various industries.

7. How long does it take to become a clinical research associate?

To become a Clinical Trials Research Associate, it typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and relevant experience. The salary for this role ranges from $60,200 to $76,600, with a median salary of $68,500. Gaining certification can enhance job prospects, and documenting your experience is crucial for advancement in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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