Clinical Data Managers
Clinical data managers analyze health care information using database systems to identify patterns and report findings that support patient care and research. They work in hospitals, research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and other health care settings where clinical data is collected and used for decision-making.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical data managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Clinical data managers spend their time reviewing patient records, entering and verifying data in computer systems, and checking for errors or inconsistencies. They run reports to track outcomes, flag unusual patterns, and prepare summaries for doctors and researchers. Much of the work involves following protocols, communicating with medical staff about data issues, and documenting their findings in formal reports.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You are detail-oriented and systematic, preferring clear rules and organized processes. You're curious about health care problems and comfortable digging into data to understand what it means, combining practical problem-solving with analytical thinking.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Clinical Trial Data Manager III - Office of Data Quality · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · United States · Remote
- Clinical Data Manager · Penumbra · Your Remote US Home Office · Remote
- Manager Clinical Data Management · EDETEK · Remote · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $105,240 | $163,350 | $208,320 | 9,600 |
| California | $103,360 | $141,590 | $186,820 | 39,310 |
| Maryland | $100,370 | $136,370 | $169,510 | 3,340 |
| New Jersey | $101,970 | $135,280 | $167,330 | 6,430 |
| Massachusetts | $101,940 | $131,750 | $166,180 | 9,420 |
| New York | $94,880 | $130,460 | $171,580 | 23,970 |
| Minnesota | $92,490 | $128,800 | $160,910 | 4,020 |
| Vermont | $98,450 | $127,070 | $143,170 | 200 |
| District of Columbia | $105,320 | $126,490 | $174,650 | 2,680 |
| Virginia | $97,390 | $126,430 | $165,610 | 8,920 |
| Connecticut | $94,480 | $126,340 | $163,210 | 1,760 |
| Oregon | $96,770 | $125,990 | $163,710 | 2,140 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) — Society for Clinical Data Management
- Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP) — CertNexus
- Information Technology Specialist - Data Analytics (ITS-DA) — Pearson
- Data Services Specialization — Medical Library Association
- Certified Data Scientist - Foundation (CDS) — Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals
- Certified Data Scientist - Associate/Practitioner — Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical data managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 15-2051.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.