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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Clinical Research Associate in Illinois is $63,307 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
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 | $72,904 | $6,075 | $1,402 | $35 |
| Average | $63,307 | $5,276 | $1,217 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,572 | $4,548 | $1,049 | $26 |
Allen Spolden - Chicago, IL
Medasource - North Chicago, IL
Thermo Fisher - Chicago, IL
Thermo Fisher Scientific - Chicago, IL
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 | $96,740 |
| Lead Clin... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $62,601 |
| Clinical ... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $72,438 |
| Scientist... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $102,874 |
| Clinical ... Level Lead Clinical Research Associate | $111,132 |
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:
For Lead Clinical Research Associate 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, Lead Clinical Research Associate positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Clinical Research Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $75,968 | $37.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $69,637 | $33.0 | 10% |
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 | $72,904 | $6,075 | $1,402 | $35 |
| Average | $63,307 | $5,276 | $1,217 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,572 | $4,548 | $1,049 | $26 |
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.
Avery Healthcare Group Ltd.
Crystal Lake, IL
Avery Healthcare Group Ltd. | Crystal Lake, IL
Clinical Research Associate. To be eligible for this position, you must reside in the same country where the job is located. Perform monitoring and site ma... more
7 Days Ago
Confidential
Chicago, IL
Confidential | Chicago, IL
Associate Vice President, Research Lead. About the Company. A financial services firm seeking a research leader for executive intelligence and relationship... more
10 Days Ago
Cone Health
SPRING VALLEY, NC
Cone Health | SPRING VALLEY, NC
Clinical Research Nurses work closely with study subjects and other research staff and are involved in most steps of the research trial process. They perfo... more
7 Days Ago
Cone Health
SPRING VALLEY, NC
Cone Health | SPRING VALLEY, NC
Cone Health is seeking an RN Clinical Research Nurse to support oncology studies within our Scientific Research & Development department. In this role, you... more
10 Days Ago
Professional Case Management
PROVIDENCE, RI
Professional Case Management | PROVIDENCE, RI
Professional Case Management is seeking a Registered Dietitian to support Clinical Research, Analytics & Strategic Planning within our Healthcare & Medical... more
11 Days Ago
Professional Case Management
HARLOWTON, MT
Professional Case Management | HARLOWTON, MT
Professional Case Management is seeking an RN Pediatric Clinical Research Nurse to support Clinical Research, Analytics & Strategic Planning initiatives. I... more
14 Days Ago
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