Average Salary of a Clinical Research Assistant

A how to become a research assistant is a vital role in the healthcare industry, since they are accountable for assisting to conduct clinical trials. CRAs have important duties such as collecting and analyzing data, coordinating with medical staff and other personnel, and preparing reports. So, what is the typical salary of a CRA? Let's take a peek at what you can expect to make in this role.



The common salary of a CRA varies depending on location, experience level, and type of employer. Broadly speaking, CRAs may make between $45,000 and $70,000 per year. In line with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for clinical research assistants was $60,050 in May 2019. Those employed in research and development (R&D) laboratories tend to make more than those employed by pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare organizations. Furthermore, CRAs employed in metropolitan areas frequently have higher salaries than those in rural areas.

Additionally, experience level can also affect a CRA's salary – individuals with more experience may have the ability to command higher wages. As an example, experienced CRAs may be able to earn an annual salary of around $80,000 or more. Additionally, those with additional training and certifications can also expect higher salaries as well.

Average Salary by Location

The average salary for a CRA varies based on where you live. For instance, according to PayScale, CRAs working in New York City make typically $60,277 per year. Meanwhile, those living on the west coast earn an average of $52,116 annually. It's important to note that these numbers may not reflect your exact salary; there are many factors that could affect your pay such as for instance experience level and education.

In addition to location-based salary differences, additionally there are differences predicated on employer type. For example, based on Glassdoor, those employed by pharmaceutical companies make an average of $55k annually while those in hospitals earn typically $47k per year. Again, it's important to note that individual salaries may vary drastically according to several different factors including job duties and education level.
           
Qualifications Required for a CRA Position

It's important to notice that becoming a Clinical Research Assistant isn't something you are able to do overnight; it requires certain qualifications and experience. Generally speaking, employers require that prospective CRAs have a bachelor's degree in nursing or healthcare administration along with prior experience employed in a medical setting or laboratory environment. In some instances employers may require additional qualifications or certifications such as CCRP certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). Additionally it is essential for CRAs to be detail-oriented problem solvers with excellent communication skills simply because they often need to work with medical staff and other personnel during clinical trials.



In conclusion, being truly a Clinical Research Assistant is an exciting job that offers great remuneration potential—depending on your own individual qualifications and experience level—along with opportunities for growth within the healthcare industry. The typical salary depends on several factors including location and employer type but is generally around $50k-$60k each year before bonuses or benefits packages are factored in. Becoming a CRA you need to have at the least a bachelor's degree in nursing or healthcare administration alongside prior lab or clinical experience; additional certifications may be required depending on the employer's needs. If you're looking for a fantastic career with great potential remuneration then consider being a Clinical Research Assistant today!