Clinical Data Managers

People in this career, also known as clinical data coordinators or clinical data analysts, spend their days working with computers to process, gather, and document information. They evaluate clinical data to ensure it complies with established standards, solve complex problems, and make decisions based on their findings. Organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks are essential parts of the daily routine, as is communicating findings to supervisors and peers.

Succeeding in this role requires strong skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, and mathematics. Workers must have a solid foundation in computers, electronics, biology, medicine, and administration. This career appeals to individuals with a conventional interest area who value structure and detail. Key work styles for these professionals include high attention to detail, dependability, integrity, and cautiousness when handling sensitive healthcare information.

Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related work experience. Students preparing for this career often choose college majors such as computer and information sciences, computer science, mathematics, applied mathematics, chemistry, economics, computer software and media applications, or management sciences and quantitative methods.

While not always mandatory, professionals can earn industry certifications to demonstrate their expertise. Relevant certifications include the ACDIS CDI Apprenticeship from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists, the ACRP Certified Professional from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, and the Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner from the American Health Information Management Association.

The median annual pay for clinical data managers is $120,230. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $67,240 and the highest 10% earning more than $199,130. These wage figures represent the broader data scientists occupational group.

There are 262,440 people employed in this field. Between the years 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 34.6%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 24,800 job openings each year.