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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Junior Clinical Research Associate in Illinois is $73,467 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Junior Clinical Research Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Junior Clinical Research Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $80,492 | $6,708 | $1,548 | $39 |
| Average | $73,467 | $6,122 | $1,413 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,156 | $5,430 | $1,253 | $31 |
Medasource - North Chicago, IL
ICON - Chicago, IL
Barrington James - Chicago, IL
Allen Spolden - Chicago, IL
A Junior 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 Junior 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 Junior Clinical Research Associate | $98,886 |
| Clinical ... Level Junior Clinical Research Associate | $63,989 |
| Junior Cl... Level Junior Clinical Research Associate | $74,044 |
| Scientist... Level Junior Clinical Research Associate | $105,155 |
| Clinical ... Level Junior Clinical Research Associate | $113,596 |
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 Junior 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 Junior 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 Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Junior Clinical Research Associate positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Junior 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 | $88,160 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $80,813 | $39.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Junior 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 | $80,492 | $6,708 | $1,548 | $39 |
| Average | $73,467 | $6,122 | $1,413 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,156 | $5,430 | $1,253 | $31 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Junior Clinical Research Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
ICON
Chicago, IL
ICON | Chicago, IL
Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Chicago. ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We're proud to fo... more
6 Days Ago
Medpace
Chicago, IL
Medpace | Chicago, IL
Join Our CRA Team in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Clinical Research Associate position offers an exciting career within clinical research. For those with Life Sci... more
2 Days Ago
Avery Healthcare Group Ltd.
Chicago, IL
Avery Healthcare Group Ltd. | Chicago, IL
Senior Clinical Research Associate 1. IQVIA is hiring Senior Clinical Research Associate 1 with experience in either oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metab... more
2 Days Ago
Carle Health
Urbana, IL
Carle Health | Urbana, IL
Job Description. Overview\n. \n. \nThe Stephens Family Clinical Research Institute of the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL is building the Carle Cli... more
15 Days Ago
Confidential
BIRMINGHAM, AL
Confidential | BIRMINGHAM, AL
Associate Dean of Research. About the Company. Well-recognized public university. Industry. Higher Education. Type. Educational Institution. Founded. 1969.... more
1 Month Ago
Confidential
NASHVILLE, TN
Confidential | NASHVILLE, TN
Senior Associate Dean for Research. About the Company. Well-known private research institute. Industry. Higher Education. Type. Educational Institution. Fo... more
1 Month Ago
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