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Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Salary in the United States

How much does an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations in the United States is $165,409 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.

However, an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $188,334
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,228 to $177,409
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $138,317
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Salaries

An Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations'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.

How Experience Level Affects Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations'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): $71,326
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $101,306
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $109,428
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $162,909
  • Expert (over 8 years): $251,273
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Clinical Research Associate II less than 1 year $71,326
Scientist - Clinical Research 1-2 years $101,306
Clinical Research Manager 2-4 years $109,428
Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations 5-8 years $162,909
VP of Clinical Research over 8 years $251,273

How Do Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Director of Clinical Research Operations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $183,141.
  • California: $182,446.
  • Massachusetts: $180,015.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations

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:

  • San Jose: $208,630
  • San Francisco: $206,346
  • Oakland: $201,997

Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $181,950 $87.0 10%

How Education impacts an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations professionals enter the field with a Master's 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 Director of Clinical Research Operations with a Master's is between $154,661 and $165,322.

Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 4%
High School 4%
Associate's Degree 2%
Bachelor's Degree 32%
Master's Degree or MBA 40%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 22%
View as Graph

Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$151,228
Average $165,409/year
$177,409
$12,602
Average $13,784/month
$14,784
$2,908
Average $3,181/week
$3,412
$73
Average $80/hour
$85
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $177,409 $14,784 $3,412 $85
Average $165,409 $13,784 $3,181 $80
25th Percentile $151,228 $12,602 $2,908 $73

Most common benefits for Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations

Here are companies hiring for Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations Job

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

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FAQ about Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Director of Clinical Research Operations roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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