Clinical Research Associate
Medpace – Columbus, OH
How much does an Associate Clinical Research Scientist make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Clinical Research Scientist in the United States is $100,982 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, an Associate Clinical Research Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Associate Clinical Research Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $114,671 | $9,556 | $2,205 | $55 |
| Average | $100,982 | $8,415 | $1,942 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,579 | $7,465 | $1,723 | $43 |
An Associate Clinical Research Scientist'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 an Associate Clinical Research Scientist'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Associate I | less than 1 year | $59,712 |
| Clinical Research Associate II | 1-2 years | $69,090 |
| Associate Clinical Research Scientist | 2-4 years | $98,130 |
| Clinical Research Manager | 5-8 years | $105,997 |
| Clinical Research Director | over 8 years | $157,803 |
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 Associate Clinical Research Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Clinical Research Scientist professionals enter the field with a Doctoral degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Associate Clinical Research Scientist with a Doctoral is between $96,322 and $106,046.
| Typical Education for Associate Clinical Research Scientist | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associate's Degree | 25.4% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 11.3% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 25.4% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 62% |
Understanding how an Associate Clinical Research Scientist'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 | $114,671 | $9,556 | $2,205 | $55 |
| Average | $100,982 | $8,415 | $1,942 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,579 | $7,465 | $1,723 | $43 |
Salaries for an Associate Clinical Research Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,730 in 2023 to around $82,506 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Clinical Research Scientist salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $84,730 |
| 2024 | $83,306 |
| 2025 | $82,506 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Clinical Research Scientist roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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