A Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) in the Los Angeles, California area can expect an average annual salary of $61,741, with an estimated total pay reaching up to $69,653 per year. These figures represent median values based on collected salary data.
Understanding the Clinical Research Coordinator Role
A Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) plays a pivotal role in the execution of clinical trials. CRCs are often the primary point of contact for study participants and are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a clinical study. Their duties typically include:
- Recruiting and screening eligible study participants.
- Obtaining informed consent from participants.
- Collecting and managing research data.
- Ensuring compliance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, and ethical guidelines.
- Coordinating participant visits and follow-ups.
- Maintaining accurate and organized study documentation.
- Collaborating with investigators, sponsors, and other research staff.
CRC Salary Breakdown in Los Angeles, CA
The compensation for a Clinical Research Coordinator can vary, but specific data for the Los Angeles, California region provides a clear picture. The "total pay" estimate typically encompasses the base salary along with additional forms of compensation such as bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.
| Compensation Type | Annual Amount (Los Angeles, CA) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,741 |
| Estimated Total Pay | $69,653 |
These numbers are reported as medians, indicating the midpoint of the salary range for CRCs in that specific geographical area. This means half of the CRCs in Los Angeles earn less than these figures, and half earn more.
Factors Influencing CRC Salary
While the Los Angeles area offers a specific salary range, several factors can influence a Clinical Research Coordinator's compensation across different regions and institutions:
- Experience Level: Entry-level CRCs typically earn less than those with several years of experience managing complex trials or specialized therapeutic areas.
- Entry-Level: 0-2 years
- Mid-Career: 3-7 years
- Senior/Lead CRC: 8+ years
- Geographic Location: Salaries can vary significantly by city and state, reflecting local cost of living and demand for CRCs. Major research hubs often offer higher salaries.
- Type of Institution:
- Academic Medical Centers/Universities: May offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Pharmaceutical Companies/Biotech Firms: Often provide higher salaries and more robust benefit packages.
- Contract Research Organizations (CROs): Can offer diverse project experiences and varying compensation structures based on client projects.
- Therapeutic Area: CRCs specializing in high-demand or complex therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, gene therapy, rare diseases) might command higher salaries due to specialized knowledge requirements.
- Education and Certifications: A bachelor's or master's degree in a scientific or health-related field is often preferred. Professional certifications like the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) from the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) can enhance earning potential.
