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Clinical Trials Research Associate II Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Trials Research Associate II in the United States is $71,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,755
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,600 to $78,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,863
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Clinical Trials Research Associate II Salaries

A Clinical Trials Research Associate II'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 II'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): $94,784
  • Clinical Trials Research Associate I (0-2 years): $61,346
  • Clinical Trials Research Associate II (2-4 years): $70,976
  • Clinical Research Lead Scientist (4-7 years): $100,819
  • Clinical Research Programs Manager (7+ years): $108,891
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Clinical Research Nurse Leader0-0 years$94,784
Clinical Trials Research Associate I0-2 years$61,346
Clinical Trials Research Associate II2-4 years$70,976
Clinical Research Lead Scientist4-7 years$100,819
Clinical Research Programs Manager7+ years$108,891
View as Graph

How Do Clinical Trials Research Associate II 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $78,600.
  • California: $78,300.
  • Massachusetts: $77,300.

Top Paying Cities for Clinical Trials Research Associate IIs

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: $89,600
  • San Francisco: $88,600
  • Oakland: $86,700

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Integrity (Mentioned in 5.06% 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.
  • Clinical Monitoring (Mentioned in 4.58% Job Postings): Clinical Monitoring refers to the observation of a disease, condition or one or several medical parameters over time.
  • Career Development (Mentioned in 2.19% Job Postings): Refers to the process an individual may undergo to evolve their occupational status. It is the process of making decisions for long term learning, to align personal needs of physical or psychological fulfillment with career advancement opportunities.
Skills Demand Percentage
Integrity 5.06%
Clinical Monitoring 4.58%
Career Development 2.19%
See More Skills

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 II's salary.

  • Drug Development: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Clinical Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Drug Development $79,520
12%
Insight $78,100
10%
Clinical Operations $75,970
7%
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Clinical Trials Research Associate II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Clinical Trials Research Associate II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $79,750. While startup companies pay approximate $67,773.

Clinical Trials Research Associate II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $67,773
Growth Stage 51~500 $71,595
Established 501~5000 $77,069
Enterprise 5000+ $79,750

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

For Clinical Trials Research Associate II 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 Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Clinical Trials Research Associate positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Clinical Trials Research Associate II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Clinical Trials Research Associate II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$85,200$41.020%
Pharmaceuticals$78,100$38.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical Trials Research Associate IIs 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,090 and $80,916).

Clinical Trials Research Associate II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Clinical Trials Research Associate II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 1.8%
Associates 4.3%
Bachelors 57.4%
Masters 29.4%
Doctorate 6.7%
View as Graph

Clinical Trials Research Associate II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Clinical Trials Research Associate II'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 October 01, 2026
$63,600
Average $71,000/year
$78,200
$5,300
Average $5,917/month
$6,517
$1,223
Average $1,365/week
$1,504
$31
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,200 $6,517 $1,504 $38
Average $71,000 $5,917 $1,365 $34
25th Percentile $63,600 $5,300 $1,223 $31

Clinical Trials Research Associate II Salary Growth & Career Path

Clinical Trials Research Associate II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Clinical Trials Research Associate II, 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
Clinical Data Monitor III $96,600 36%
Clinical Research Lead Scientist $100,900 42%

Most common benefits for Clinical Trials Research Associate II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Clinical Trials Research Associate II

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

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FAQ about Clinical Trials Research Associate II

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

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

2. Is research associate a good job?

A Clinical Trials Research Associate is a vital position that supports leaders in managing products and services. With a salary range from $70,100 to $92,000, this role offers competitive compensation. If you are interested in contributing to important research and enjoy a dynamic work environment, it could be a rewarding career choice.

3. What is the highest salary for a research associate?

The highest salary for a Clinical Trials Research Associate is $92,000 per year, with a minimum salary of $70,100 and a mid-range salary of $80,400. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and specific employer.

4. How much do entry level clinical study associates make?

Entry-level Clinical Trials Research Associates typically earn a salary ranging from $70,100 to $80,400, with the potential to reach up to $92,000 as they gain experience. This reflects the growing demand and importance of this role in the clinical research field.

5. Do clinical trials pay good money?

Compensation for Clinical Trials Research Associates is competitive, with salaries ranging from $70,100 to $92,000. The average salary is around $80,400. Pay can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the trials, making it a lucrative career option for those in the field.

6. What is a research associate II?

A Research Associate II collaborates with the principal investigator and research team, utilizing appropriate methods and equipment to perform designated tasks under supervision. The salary for this position typically ranges from $70,100 to $92,000, with a midpoint of $80,400, reflecting the level of expertise and responsibilities involved.

7. What does II mean after a job title?

The Roman Numerals (I, II, III, IV…) indicate the level within an organization. For example, II typically signifies a mid-level position, suggesting some experience. In the context of a Clinical Trials Research Associate, salaries range from $70,100 to $92,000, with a midpoint of $80,400, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise expected at this level.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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