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What is a CDM?

A CDM (Clinical Data Manager) ensures that statistical information and results from clinical trials are recorded accurately.

A professional is usually involved in every aspect of a trial, from selecting qualified participants to publishing final scientific papers. Clinical data managers record information about the effects of medication on patients, daily experimental data, and ongoing issues with a study.

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Most clinical data manager jobs are found in government organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms. Clinical data managers develop and execute data testing and analysis plans, ensuring robust data quality and identifying ways to improve processes.

Clinical Data Managers can earn over $100,000 per year.

How is the job market and salary for Clinical Data Managers? 

As of Apr 5, 2021, the average annual pay for a Clinical Data Manager in the United States is $110,094 per year.


Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $52.93 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,117/week or $9,174/month.

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While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $179,000 and as low as $41,500, the majority of Clinical Data Manager salaries currently range between $83,500 (25th percentile) to $125,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $166,000 annually across the United States. The average pay range for a Clinical Data Manager varies greatly (by as much as $41,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.

Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Clinical Data Manager job market in both Atlanta, GA and the surrounding area is very active. A Clinical Data Manager in your area makes on average $110,324 per year, or $230 (0%) more than the national average annual salary of $110,094. Georgia ranks number 46 out of 50 states nationwide for Clinical Data Manager salaries.

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AM I QUALIFIED?

A four-year baccalaureate degree is generally required for most IT work in medical settings. For clinical data managers who want to move into leadership roles, a master’s degree or graduate certificate in health informatics may also be required. Depending on the company, travel may be regular or infrequent; speaking a foreign language may be a bonus qualification in multi-lingual research settings.

 

A precise level of data management skills are required to maintain longevity in this career path. In addition, versatile communication skills and a willingness to work with others are vital soft skills needed to be a successful member of a collaborative research team. Ongoing education and attendance at conferences is likely expected of top professionals in this field.

What is the demand for Clinical Data Managers?

There is increasing demand for clinical data managers. With the influx of technology into clinical trials, companies are in need of professionals that are able to take advantage of advanced computerized data management. Most clinical trials use electronic data capture (EDC) systems. These EDC systems make long-term data collection more efficient, but have burdensome start-up requirements, such as validation, training, and installation. Maintaining an EDC creates clinical data manager roles as well as more entry-level data specialist roles that work directly with the maintenance and qualification of the EDC system. Clinical data managers typically work for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or IVD companies. They may also work for contract research organizations (CROs), which are hired to execute clinical trials. They also may find employment working for a large hospital or research university. There is a constantly growing demand for clinical data managers because increased concerns over cyber-security requires increasing vigilance and management of clinical trial data collection.

CDM Essential Duties?

Overall, clinical data managers are responsible for collecting data from a variety of medical research projects, such as clinical and pharmaceutical trials. They work collaboratively to make sure data is collected, managed, and reported clearly, accurately, and securely.

 

While some clinical data managers work for large pharmaceutical companies, others work for hospitals, governmental organizations, or private companies and research universities. Preparing reports, statistical comparisons, data charts, and other presentation materials is an important part of the collaborative process between the clinical data manager and the research team.

Because the work is collaborative in nature, regular group meetings and some travel may be required.

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