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How much do contract clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract clinical research associate in the United States is $41.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $52.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract clinical research associate?

Contract Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) are professionals who monitor clinical trials on behalf of pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or other sponsors, but work on a contract or freelance basis rather than as permanent employees. Their primary responsibilities include ensuring that trials are conducted according to regulatory guidelines, monitoring data accuracy, and verifying that patient rights and safety are protected. Contract CRAs may work on multiple projects for different clients and often enjoy more flexibility in their schedules and work locations. This role requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the ability to travel to clinical sites.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by contract clinical research associates compared to permanent employees?

Contract Clinical Research Associates often need to quickly adapt to new study protocols, sponsor requirements, and team dynamics since they may work on multiple projects for different organizations. This can mean a faster onboarding process and the need to build rapport with new colleagues and site staff efficiently. Additionally, contract CRAs must be highly organized to manage shifting assignments and maintain compliance across different trial sites, as well as keep up with varying documentation standards. While this variety can be rewarding, it can also present challenges in terms of consistency and long-term project ownership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract clinical research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Clinical Research Associate, you need a solid understanding of clinical trial protocols, regulatory guidelines (such as GCP and ICH), and typically a degree in life sciences or related field. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, clinical trial management systems (CTMS), and certifications like ACRP or SOCRA are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help build productive site relationships and ensure compliance. These skills are crucial for maintaining data integrity, ensuring regulatory adherence, and supporting successful clinical trial outcomes.

What is the difference between Contract Clinical Research Associate vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectContract Clinical Research AssociateClinical Research Associate
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in life sciences and relevant certificationsSame as Contract CRA, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based assignments often with multiple sponsorsFull-time employment with a single organization or sponsor
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by CROs and pharma companies for short-term projectsCommonly employed directly by pharmaceutical companies or CROs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for flexibility and contract work benefitsViewed as a permanent role with career growth

In summary, Contract Clinical Research Associates work on temporary, project-specific basis, often with multiple sponsors, offering flexibility. Clinical Research Associates typically hold full-time roles within a single organization, providing stability and career development opportunities.

More about Contract Clinical Research Associate jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Clinical Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Clinical Research Associate job openings:

What states have the most Contract Clinical Research Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Clinical Research Associate jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Clinical Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,542 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate II

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$25 - $36.86/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description


This role is designed to be 100% onsite, giving you the opportunity to collaborate closely with your team and immerse yourself in the energy of our workplace. Please note that hybrid or remote work options are NOT available for this position at this time.
Please note that a cover letter is required as part of the application. The cover letter should explain your interest in this opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. Applications missing this document will not be considered.
Cedars-Sinai has an outstanding opportunity for an independent and well-organized contributor to serve as a CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II to Dr. Judy Tan to support community-engaged research that develops behavioral and community-based health interventions for LGBTQ+ communities of color. Dr. Tan, Associate Professor, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity, Division of Population Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, is a social psychologist and applies her training in behavioral and prevention sciences to develop innovative interventions for improving health outcomes among marginalized populations in the U.S.
This position provides contributions to behavioral and implementation science for the Cancer Research Center for Health Equity. The scope of the work includes research involving participants recruited from the surrounding LA communities and interactions with community-based researchers, academic researchers, and local community organizations and health systems.
The Clinical Research Associate II works independently but in close collaboration with a Clinical Research Coordinator, Research Program Administrator, Research Nurse, other supervising staff to coordinate and/or implement increasingly complex research studies. Supports objectives of research studies through noncomplex tasks such as data collection, prescreening of potential and scheduling of current research participants, assisting in IRB submission activities, budget and billing, and ensuring overall compliance with all federal and local guidelines. Provides increasingly complex and independent support for studies by serving as the independent contact with sponsors, IRB, and research participants, providing training, education to junior level staff, and coordination of ad hoc activities related to studies. May serve independently as study coordinator for minimal number of noncomplex research studies or projects.
Responsibilities:
  • Works independently under minimal direction from a Clinical Research Coordinator, Research Program Administrator, Research Nurse, or other supervising staff to coordinate and/or implement increasingly complex research studies.
  • Collects, evaluates and/or abstracts clinical research data. May assist in designing forms for data collection/abstraction. Enters and processes clinical research data into Electronic Data Systems (EDCs) that are provided by the sponsors.
  • Completes Case Report Forms (CRFs).
  • Independently prescreens potential research participants for various clinical trials. Schedules research participants for research visits and research procedures. May provide increasingly independent contact with research participants and/or conduct research participant visits independently.
  • Assists supervising staff with regulatory submissions to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). May work directly with the Institutional Review Board to submit Adverse Events, Serious Adverse Events, Safety Letters, etc in accordance with local and federal guidelines.
  • Assists with clinical trial budgets and patient billing.
  • Responsible for sample preparation and shipping and maintenance of study supplies and kits.
  • Ensures compliance with protocol and overall clinical research objectives. Ensures compliance with all federal and local agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local Institutional Review Board. Maintains research practices using Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Maintains strict patient confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations and applicable law.
  • May serve as the primary point of contact for external sponsors for select trials. Responds to sponsor inquiries and attends meetings regarding study activities.
  • Participates in and provides training and education to other Clinical Research Associates. May assist in coordinating activities of other associates to ensure compliance with protocol and clinical research objectives.
  • Participates in centralized activities such as auditing, Standard Operating Procedure development, etc.
  • May participate in the development of Investigator Initiated trials for Investigational New Drug applications and/or Device applications
  • May provide coordination of minimal number of noncomplex research studies or projects independently. May provide coverage for study coordination activities of supervising staff when needed to ensure minimal disruption to study objectives.

Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma/GED - minimum
  • Bachelor's Degree Science, Sociology or related degree. - preferred

Experience
  • 1 year Clinical research related. - minimum

Licenses and Certifications
  • Certification In Clinical Research - preferred SOCRA or ACRP certification

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