A clinical research nurse works under the guidance of a clinical research coordinator to organize, manage, and assist with clinical trials and treatment research. In the US, clinical research nurses earn close to $78,000. Annual pay in US dollar currency is higher in Australia at AU$116,000 ($91,087 USD). Those in New Zealand earn more than NZ$97,000 ($70,959 USD), followed by Canada at nearly C$80,000 ($62,899 USD), the UK at £44,000 ($61,200 USD), South Africa at R313,000 ($27,025 USD) and India at Rs6,11,000 ($9,431 USD) per year. With variance in geographic region, professional experience, and work setting, salaries fluctuate worldwide for this profession. Additional information on the clinical research nurse salary and career is provided in this guide.
How Much Does a Clinical Research Nurse Make per Year?
The chart below provides hourly and annual wage information for clinical research nurses in select countries worldwide.
| Clinical Research Nurse Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $37 | C$38 | £21 | AU$56 | NZ$47 | Rs294 | R150 |
| Annual Wage | $77,864 | C$79,780 ($62,899 USD) |
£43,806 ($28,167 USD) |
AU$115,890 ($91,087 USD) |
NZ$97,256 ($70,959 USD) |
Rs6,10,949 ($9,431 USD) |
R312,549 ($27,025 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Clinical Research Nurse Salary
Earning potential for clinical research nurses is affected by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. Additional information on salary and career insight is provided in this guide.
1. Geographic Area
Clinical Research Nurse Salary in US
In the US, clinical research nurses earn roughly $77,864 per year in base salary plus another $1,222 in additional bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage earn an average of $37 per hour. Early career clinical research nurses earn more than $55,291 per year compared to the most experienced senior level professionals who earn well over $96,323 annually.
Clinical Research Nurse Salary in Canada
Clinical research nurse in Canada see an average compensation of C$79,780 in base pay and another C$1,253 in bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive C$38 per hour, on average. Those with three years’ or less experience see an average entry level salary of about C$56,651 per year, increasing with experience to C$98,693 per year for those in senior level positions.
Clinical Research Nurse Salary in UK
On average, clinical research nurse in the UK earn £43,806 per year, or £21 per hour. Bonus income potential can add another £688 or more to overall earnings. As an entry level clinical research nurse, the average annual salary is close to £31,106 while those in senior level positions earn close to £54,191 annually.
Clinical Research Nurse in Australia
Clinical research nurse in Australia see annual pay close to AU$115,890 plus AU$1,819 in additional bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive AU$56 per hour, on average. Entry level clinical research nurses with up to three years’ experience earn well over AU$82,426 annually while the most experienced professionals earn about AU$143,597 per year.
Clinical Research Nurse in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual salary for clinical research nurse is more than NZ$97,256, and bonus income can add another NZ$1,527 to overall earnings. The average hourly wage is NZ$47. Entry level pay averages NZ$69,117 per year, increasing to more than NZ$120,411 per year for senior level positions.
Clinical Research Nurse Salary in India
The average annual pay for clinical research nurse in India can reach Rs6,10,949, and another Rs9,592 is possible in bonus income incentives. Hourly wage earners receive about Rs294 per hour, on average. Entry level clinical research nurses earn about Rs4,40,521 per year compared to their senior level colleagues with an average annual salary of Rs7,67,441.
Clinical Research Nurse Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, clinical research nurse earn roughly R312,549 per year, or R150 per hour. Bonus income potential can add more than R4,907 to overall pay. Early career clinical research nurses earn about R223,848 per year while those with the most experience in senior level positions earn about R389,971annually.
2. Experience
Professional experience leads to higher earnings for clinical research nurses worldwide with annual salaries increasing between 75% and 77%. In the US an Australia, where salaries are among the highest, the gap between senior level and entry level pay is 75% and 77%, respectively, representing an increase of $48,000 more per year in the US and AU$72,000 more per year in Australia. While India is on the lower end of the pay scale, annual earnings for senior level professionals are Rs480,000 more per year, or 76% more, compared to those early in their careers.
3. Industry
Clinical research nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, public health agencies, and educational settings. Employment within the public sector or in nonprofit organizations may offer lower salaries and fewer opportunities for bonus income compared to private-sector, for-profit employers.
Working Hours
While most clinical research nurses work full-time hours, there are opportunities for part-time employment. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours, though there may be times when extended hours are necessary.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Benefits packages often include healthcare coverage that includes medical, dental, and vision care and paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Some employers may offer additional perks like retirement plans, health savings accounts, and allowances for things like conference attendance related to research work. Bonus pay is seen worldwide. Those employed part-time may be ineligible for these benefits and bonus pay or may receive a smaller package level.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates growth of 33% for clinical research nurses, including clinical research nurses, between 2016 and 2026. This much faster than average growth rate is due to a greater focus on data and analytics as part of decision-making, and an increasing need for professionals to analyze large amounts of data digital and electronic data. A career as a clinical research nurse requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing followed by on job training.
Conclusion
Clinical research nurses earn solid incomes with potential to further increase their earnings through bonus pay and comprehensive benefits packages are typically offered. Most clinical research nurses work full-time schedules, but there are opportunities for part-time employment. Future growth in this career field is expected to increase at a much faster than average rate, which should support income levels and provide sufficient job opportunities for those entering this line of work.
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