As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Development Manager in the United States is $105,108 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Clinical Development Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Clinical Development Manager'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 Development Manager'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 |
|---|---|
| Clinical ... Level Clinical Development Manager | $69,026 |
| Scientist... Level Clinical Development Manager | $98,040 |
| Clinical ... Level Clinical Development Manager | $105,899 |
| Clinical ... Level Clinical Development Manager | $157,657 |
| VP of Cli... Level Clinical Development Manager | $243,172 |
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 Development Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.89% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.4% |
| Biotechnology | 0.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Drug Development
|
$113,517 |
8%
|
|
Team Management
|
$112,466 |
7%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$111,414 |
6%
|
|
Clinical Operations
|
$111,414 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$110,363 |
5%
|
|
Clinical Monitoring
|
$110,363 |
5%
|
For Clinical Development Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Durable and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Clinical Development Manager positions in MFG Nondurable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Clinical Development Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $136,640 | $66.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $126,130 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $115,619 | $56.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical Development Managers 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 Development Manager with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $109,163 and $117,028).
Clinical Development Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associates | 2.8% |
| Bachelors | 38.5% |
| Masters | 38.7% |
| Doctorate | 18.1% |
Understanding how a Clinical Development Manager'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 September 01, 2026Salaries for a Clinical Development Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,968 in 2023 to around $100,824 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Clinical Development Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,968 |
| 2024 | $101,667 |
| 2025 | $100,824 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Clinical Development Manager roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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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