Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

SOC: 15-2051.02

Common Job Titles

  • Clinical Data Management Director (CDM Director)
  • Clinical Data Management Manager (CDM Manager)
  • Clinical Data Manager
  • Data Management Manager

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign database structures and data management plans for multi-site clinical trials utilizing relational database software and programming languages such as SQL, SAS, and C++.
  • KnowledgeFormulate data reconciliation strategies to resolve discrepancies between source documents and database entries applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills under regulatory scrutiny and audit conditions.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze clinical trial data for trends, anomalies, and compliance issues using database management systems and statistical software in pharmaceutical or healthcare research settings.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate data quality and integrity against regulatory standards and protocol requirements working independently within electronic data capture systems to ensure compliance with FDA and ICH-GCP guidelines.
  • KnowledgeAssess clinical data management workflows and identify process improvement opportunities collaborating with cross-functional teams including biostatisticians, clinical research coordinators, and regulatory affairs specialists.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex clinical protocols and translate requirements into data collection specifications applying knowledge of medicine, biology, and healthcare terminology to ensure accurate data capture.
  • Hands-onExecute database queries and generate clinical data reports using SAS, SQL, Microsoft Access, and EDC software platforms to support study monitoring and analysis.
  • KnowledgeDevelop data validation plans and edit checks for clinical trial databases programming automated validation rules in clinical data management systems like Medidata Rave and Oracle Clinical.
  • MindsetIntegrate stakeholder feedback and regulatory guidance into data management strategies balancing sponsor requirements, patient safety considerations, and compliance obligations in clinical research environments.
  • MindsetAdvocate data quality standards and best practices in clinical data management providing training and consultation to clinical research staff and external collaborators.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate data collection activities across multiple clinical sites and research teams managing timelines and priorities using project management tools like Microsoft Project and SharePoint.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Clinical Data Managers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

233,440

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $63,650. 25th percentile: U.S. $82,630. 50th percentile: U.S. $112,590. 75th percentile: U.S. $155,810. 90th percentile: U.S. $194,410. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$63,650
10% of workers earn the following or more$194,410
Workers on average earn$124,590

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • English Language4.1/5
  • Computers and Electronics4.0/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
  • Mathematics3.2/5
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • C#
  • C++
  • Epic Systems
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Go
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Java
  • SAS
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Teradata Database

Technology Skills

  • 5AM Glassbox Translational Research
  • Allscripts healthcare automation software
  • Autocoders
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • ClearTrial
  • Clinical trial management software
  • DZS Software Solutions ClinPlus
  • Drug coding software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Handheld computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Smartphones