Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Salary n the US
Clinical Research Associates (CRA) Salary Range
$76,000
$105,800
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) salaries in the Life Sciences industry typically range from $76,000 to $105,800, with a midpoint of approximately $90,500. Compensation varies based on clinical research experience, therapeutic area specialization, regulatory expertise, monitoring responsibilities, study complexity, travel requirements, and overall project accountability.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$76,000
$105,800
$76,000
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$90,500
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$105,800
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Salary
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) compensation can vary based on therapeutic area expertise, clinical trial phase experience, monitoring responsibilities, geographic territory, travel requirements, regulatory knowledge, CRO or sponsor experience, and the complexity of clinical studies being managed. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the position oversees global studies, multiple therapeutic areas, complex medical device or pharmaceutical trials, or extensive site management responsibilities.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Job Description:
A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is responsible for monitoring, managing, and supporting clinical trials to ensure studies are conducted safely, ethically, and in compliance with regulatory requirements, study protocols, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). This role helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and clinical research organizations generate reliable clinical data while protecting patient safety and supporting successful product development.
Clinical Research Associates typically work closely with investigators, clinical sites, sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ethics committees, and cross-functional teams including Clinical Operations, Data Management, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality Assurance. Their responsibilities may include site qualification, initiation, routine monitoring, source data verification (SDV), protocol compliance, regulatory documentation, trial master file (TMF) maintenance, issue resolution, and study closeout activities throughout the clinical trial lifecycle.
Clinical Research Associates are expected to understand how effective clinical monitoring directly impacts patient safety, data integrity, regulatory compliance, study timelines, and successful product approvals. Strong candidates typically combine clinical research expertise, regulatory knowledge, analytical thinking, communication skills, organizational ability, and problem-solving capabilities while managing multiple clinical sites within highly regulated Life Sciences environments.
Common Responsibilities:
Monitoring clinical trial sites from study start-up through closeout to ensure compliance with study protocols, GCP, ICH guidelines, FDA regulations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Conducting site qualification, initiation, routine monitoring, and closeout visits while ensuring patient safety, protocol compliance, and successful study execution.
Performing source data verification (SDV), reviewing case report forms (CRFs/eCRFs), and ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of clinical trial data.
Collaborating with investigators, study coordinators, Clinical Operations, Data Management, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality Assurance teams to achieve study objectives.
Maintaining Trial Master Files (TMF), regulatory documentation, monitoring reports, essential study records, and clinical documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Identifying protocol deviations, study risks, data discrepancies, and compliance issues while supporting root cause investigations and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Supporting sponsor audits, regulatory inspections, study closeout activities, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring inspection readiness and successful clinical trial execution.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across industrial automation, manufacturing, packaging, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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