Clinical Trial Manager
O*NET 13-1161.90 · SOC 13-1161
Clinical Trial Manager is a strong career choice. Median pay is $124k a year with +24.2% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 62,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Oversee clinical trial operations from protocol development through study close-out
- →Manage relationships with clinical sites, investigators, and CRO partners
- →Ensure trial compliance with FDA regulations, GCP guidelines, and IRB requirements
- →Track enrollment milestones, budgets, and timelines across multiple study sites
- →Coordinate cross-functional teams including biostatistics, medical affairs, and regulatory
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Clinical Trial Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Clinical Trial Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Clinical Trial Manager?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Clinical Trial Manager Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Clinical Trial Manager is projected to grow 24.2% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Clinical Trial Manager make?
The median Clinical Trial Manager earns $124k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Clinical Trial Manager jobs?
Our model puts Clinical Trial Manager at 27 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand.
Is Clinical Trial Manager a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 24.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 62,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Clinical Trial Manager?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Clinical Trial Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Clinical Trial Manager?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Clinical Trial Manager career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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