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Clinical Trials Administrator Salary in California

How much does a Clinical Trials Administrator make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Trials Administrator in California is $68,517 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $89,074
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,446 to $79,277
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,188
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Clinical Trials Administrator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Clinical Trials Administrator Salaries

A Clinical Trials Administrator'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 Trials Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Clinical Trials Administrator'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): $102,409
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $66,275
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $76,684
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,916
  • Expert (over 8 years): $117,648
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Staff Nurse - RN - Research less than 1 year $102,409
Clinical Trials Administrator 1-2 years $66,275
Clinical Research Associate II 2-4 years $76,684
Scientist - Clinical Research 5-8 years $108,916
Clinical Research Manager over 8 years $117,648

How Do Clinical Trials Administrator 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 Trials Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $68,778.
  • California: $68,517.
  • Massachusetts: $67,604.

Top Paying Cities for Clinical Trials Administrator

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: $68,635
  • West Hollywood: $68,585
  • Dodgertown: $68,634

Clinical Trials Administrator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Clinical Trials Administrator 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 Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Clinical Trials Administrator positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Clinical Trials Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Clinical Trials Administrator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $82,220 $40.0 20%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $75,369 $36.0 10%

Clinical Trials Administrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Clinical Trials Administrator'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
$59,446
Average $68,517/year
$79,277
$4,954
Average $5,710/month
$6,606
$1,143
Average $1,318/week
$1,525
$29
Average $33/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,277 $6,606 $1,525 $38
Average $68,517 $5,710 $1,318 $33
25th Percentile $59,446 $4,954 $1,143 $29

Find Your Next Clinical Trials Administrator Job

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

  • Artech | Santa Monica, CA

    Clinical Trials Management Associate

    Artech | Santa Monica, CA

    Clinical Trials Management Associate - IILocation:Santa Monica, CADuration:18Months with possible extensionPay Range:$50-55.21/hrDescription:Must meet all ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Spectraforce Technologies | San Mateo, CA

    Clinical Trials Management Associate

    Spectraforce Technologies | San Mateo, CA

    Job Title:Clinical Trials Management Associate - IILocation:Santa Monica, CA 90404Duration:18Months (Possibility of extension depending upon business requi... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Exelixis | Alameda, CA

    Senior Clinical Trials Specialist

    Exelixis | Alameda, CA

    SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:The Senior Clinical Trials Specialist, Clinical Operations, role coordinates the activities associated with the evaluation, initiation,... more

    7 Days Ago

  • HCTHealthcare | San Jose, CA

    Subject Mater Expert Clinical Trials

    HCTHealthcare | San Jose, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. HCT is seeking an interim Clinical Trials Subject Matter Expert for a 240+ bed hospital in California. . The responsibili... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Kaiser Permanente | Vallejo, CA

    Research Nurse Clinical Trials Vallejo

    Kaiser Permanente | Vallejo, CA

    Research Nurse III, RN, Clinical Trials. In addition to the responsibilities listed below, this position is also responsible for leveraging comprehensive f... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Kaiser Permanente | Los Angeles, CA

    Research Nurse IV Clinical Trials LVN

    Kaiser Permanente | Los Angeles, CA

    Research Nurse IV, LPN/LVN, Clinical Trials. Primary Location Los Angeles, California Facility Name 1505 N. Edgemont Medical Offices Employee Status: Regul... more

    6 Days Ago

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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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