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Principal Clinical Research Associate Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Principal Clinical Research Associate make in North Carolina?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Clinical Research Associate in North Carolina is $56,573 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,004
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,918 to $64,650
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,038
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View as table View as graph 25% $47,918 10% $40,038 90% $72,004 75% $64,650 $56,573 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal Clinical Research Associate Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $64,650 $5,388 $1,243 $31
Average $56,573 $4,714 $1,088 $27
25th Percentile $47,918 $3,993 $922 $23
Check out Principal Clinical Research Associate Job Openings in North Carolina
Senior Clinical Research Associate

Ergomed - Raleigh, NC

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Parexel - Raleigh, NC

Clinical Research Associate

ICON - Raleigh, NC

Clinical Research Associate

Medpace - Charlotte, NC

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Key Factors That Influence Principal Clinical Research Associate Salaries

A Principal 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.

How Experience Level Affects Principal Clinical Research Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Principal 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $88,354
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $57,174
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $66,158
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $93,956
  • Expert (over 8 years): $101,498
Levels Salary
Staff Nur... Level Principal Clinical Research Associate$88,354
Principal... Level Principal Clinical Research Associate$57,174
Clinical ... Level Principal Clinical Research Associate$66,158
Scientist... Level Principal Clinical Research Associate$93,956
Clinical ... Level Principal Clinical Research Associate$101,498
$88,354 0 yr
$57,174 < 2 yrs
$66,158 2-4 yrs
$93,956 5-8 yrs
$101,498 > 8 yrs
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Principal Clinical Research Associates

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:

  • Morven: $53,975
  • Mount Holly: $57,257
  • Mount Mourne: $56,446

Principal Clinical Research Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Principal 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, Principal Clinical Research Associate positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal Clinical Research Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Principal Clinical Research Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$67,888$33.020%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$62,230$30.010%

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

Understanding how a Principal 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$47,918
Average $56,573/year
$64,650
$3,993
Average $4,714/month
$5,388
$922
Average $1,088/week
$1,243
$23
Average $27/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,650 $5,388 $1,243 $31
Average $56,573 $4,714 $1,088 $27
25th Percentile $47,918 $3,993 $922 $23

Salaries of jobs related to Principal Clinical Research Associate

Find Your Next Principal Clinical Research Associate Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Principal Clinical Research Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

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    Wilmington, NC

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