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Clinical Study Lead Salary in California

How much does a Clinical Study Lead make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Study Lead in California is $115,825 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.

However, a Clinical Study Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $138,737
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $105,941 to $127,818
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,942
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Clinical Study Lead Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Clinical Study Lead Salaries

A Clinical Study Lead'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 Clinical Study Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Clinical Study Lead'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): $126,060
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $157,887
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $113,326
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $126,875
  • Expert (over 8 years): $178,163
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Internal Communications Specialist IV less than 1 year $126,060
Internal Communications Specialist V 1-2 years $157,887
Clinical Study Lead 2-4 years $113,326
Internal Communications Manager 5-8 years $126,875
Internal Communications Senior Manager over 8 years $178,163

How Do Clinical Study Lead 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 Clinical Study Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $116,266.
  • California: $115,825.
  • Massachusetts: $114,281.

Top Paying Cities for Clinical Study Lead

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:

  • Los Angeles: $116,024
  • West Hollywood: $115,940
  • Dodgertown: $116,023

Clinical Study Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Clinical Study Lead 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Clinical Study Lead positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Clinical Study Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Clinical Study Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $138,990 $67.0 20%

Clinical Study Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Clinical Study Lead'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 September 01, 2026
$105,941
Average $115,825/year
$127,818
$8,828
Average $9,652/month
$10,651
$2,037
Average $2,227/week
$2,458
$51
Average $56/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $127,818 $10,651 $2,458 $61
Average $115,825 $9,652 $2,227 $56
25th Percentile $105,941 $8,828 $2,037 $51

Find Your Next Clinical Study Lead Job

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

  • Ellie Mental Health - 246 | Los Angeles, CA

    Clinical Director&amp Practice Lead

    Ellie Mental Health - 246 | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Bonus based on performance. Dental insurance. Health insurance. Paid time off. Vision insurance. Ellie ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Turning Point Community Programs | Grass Valley, CA

    Clinical Team Lead

    Turning Point Community Programs | Grass Valley, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. GENERAL PURPOSE. Under the administrative supervision of the Program Director, this position is responsible for clinical ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Qualified Health | Palo Alto, CA

    Clinical Operations Lead

    Qualified Health | Palo Alto, CA

    Clinical Operations LeadAt Qualified Health, we're redefining what's possible with Generative AI in healthcare. Our infrastructure provides the guardrails ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Ethos Veterinary Health | San Francisco, CA

    CCU Clinical Lead

    Ethos Veterinary Health | San Francisco, CA

    CCU Clinical Lead - San Francisco Departments:Critical Care Unit (CCU) Schedule :Full-Time Sunday-Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM Pay Range:$37 - $50/hour (D... more

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  • Sharp HealthCare | San Diego, CA

    Clinical Lead RN On

    Sharp HealthCare | San Diego, CA

    A prominent healthcare organization in San Diego is seeking a Registered Nurse to deliver direct and indirect nursing services to patients and families. Th... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Diversify Bx Llc | Long Beach, CA

    BCBA Clinical Lead

    Diversify Bx Llc | Long Beach, CA

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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