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Clinical Data Abstractor Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Data Abstractor information

See Boston, MA salary details

$15

$27

$42

How much do clinical data abstractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical data abstractor in Boston, MA is $27.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $34.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical data abstractor?

Clinical Data Abstractors are healthcare professionals who review medical records and extract specific data for use in research, quality improvement, billing, or regulatory reporting. They ensure that the abstracted data is accurate, complete, and in compliance with established guidelines. Their work supports patient care, clinical studies, and hospital accreditation by providing reliable clinical information to various stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical data abstractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Data Abstractor, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, clinical workflows, and data management, often supported by a background in nursing, health information management, or another healthcare field. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, data abstraction tools, and certifications such as Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) are typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate data extraction, compliance with quality standards, and meaningful contributions to patient care and research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical data abstractors, and how can they be overcome?

Clinical Data Abstractors often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex or incomplete medical records and ensuring data accuracy while working under tight deadlines. To overcome these issues, it is important to develop strong attention to detail, maintain up-to-date knowledge of medical terminology, and utilize standardized abstraction guidelines. Collaboration with clinical staff and ongoing training can also help resolve ambiguities and improve data quality, ultimately ensuring that extracted information supports patient care and research objectives.

What is the difference between Clinical Data Abstractor vs Medical Records Technician?

AspectClinical Data AbstractorMedical Records Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a healthcare-related certification or associate degreeUsually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with certification preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research facilities, healthcare organizationsHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities, medical offices
Job FocusExtracting and coding clinical data from patient records for research or quality purposesOrganizing, managing, and maintaining patient medical records for accuracy and compliance

While both roles involve working with medical records, Clinical Data Abstractors focus on extracting and coding clinical information for research and analysis, whereas Medical Records Technicians primarily organize and maintain patient records for administrative purposes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within healthcare data management.

How to become a clinical data abstractor?

To become a clinical data abstractor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring an associate's degree or healthcare-related certification. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems. Training is often provided on the job, and familiarity with data management tools can improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Data Abstractor jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Clinical Data Abstractor jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Data Abstractor jobs in Boston, MA?

For Clinical Data Abstractor jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Data Abstractor jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Data Abstractor jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Clinical Data Abstractor job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,236 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Research Data Specialist II - Breast Oncology Data Abstractor

Boston, MA • On-site, Remote


Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$53K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Research Data Specialist II (RDS II) will support the Breast Oncology clinical research program in the areas of data abstraction, collection, and curation for the DFCI Breast Cancer Disease Registries. Duties include the examination, synthesis, and evaluation of medical records; the abstraction and recording of pertinent medical information; and the monitoring of patient status. The Clinical Research Data Specialist will be responsible for the collection, management, and quality assurance review of patient clinical data.
This position's work location is fully remote, never on campus. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
 

  • Responsible for reviewing and abstracting the medical records for research patients on studies they are assigned.

  • Entering identified clinical data points in the corresponding database.

  • Ensuring that data is entered within the outlined timelines for each trial.

  • Assisting research teams with the development, testing and implementation of Case Reports Forms for PI-Initiated clinical studies.

COMPETENCIES:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of the data elements within the assigned data repository.

  • Ability to create and run appropriate reports from the data repository.

  • Demonstrates an understanding of the consent process and can independently facilitate the consenting of subjects.

  • Knowledgeable in data abstraction.

  • Demonstrates the understanding of tissue banking regulation.

  • Demonstrates an understanding of clinical research.  

  • Computer skills, including proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products, required.

  • Performs primary duties above independently and has progressed to performing more advanced skill sets as directed. Requires limited supervision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

  • ​Excellent organizational and communication skills required

  • Strong interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts

  • Must be detail oriented

  • Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize workload

  • Must practice discretion and always adhere to institutional confidentiality guidelines

  • Must have computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The position requires a bachelor’s degree or 2 years of experience as a Dana-Farber Research Data Specialist, with a Master’s degree preferred.

  • Candidates must have 1-3 years of clinical research experience in a medical, scientific research, or comparable technology-oriented business environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists in orienting and training of new staff, no direct reports.

PATIENT CONTACT: Yes, all ages.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

EEO Poster.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$53,010.00 - $58,900.00

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute logo

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1947


What Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employees say

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