As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Clinical Research Associate in California is $68,497 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Lead Clinical Research Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Clinical Research Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $78,898 | $6,575 | $1,517 | $38 |
| Average | $68,497 | $5,708 | $1,317 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,035 | $4,920 | $1,135 | $28 |
Polaris Pharmaceuticals Inc. - San Diego, CA
Careers Integrated Resources Inc - San Mateo, CA
Personalis, Inc. - Fremont, CA
Allen Spolden - Sacramento, CA
A Lead Clinical Research Associate'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Clinical Research Associate'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 |
|---|---|
| Staff Nur... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $104,708 |
| Lead Clin... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $67,733 |
| Clinical ... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $78,396 |
| Scientist... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $111,288 |
| Clinical ... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $120,271 |
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 Lead Clinical Research Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Lead Clinical Research Associate'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $78,898 | $6,575 | $1,517 | $38 |
| Average | $68,497 | $5,708 | $1,317 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,035 | $4,920 | $1,135 | $28 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Clinical Research Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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