2026 salary report
Clinical Research Associate Salary in Chennai
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is one of the highest-paid entry roles in clinical research, with the strongest long-term ceiling among field-based roles. CTC scales rapidly with therapeutic area exposure, monitoring volume, and protocol complexity handled.
CTC by experience band
CRA salary in Chennai by level
| Level | CTC range (Chennai) | Common titles |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (0-2 yrs) | ₹4.0–5.5 LPA | CRA, Junior CRA, CRA Trainee |
| Level II (2-4 yrs) | ₹7.0–10.0 LPA | CRA II, Site Monitor |
| Level III / Senior (4-7 yrs) | ₹12.0–18.0 LPA | Senior CRA, Lead Site Monitor |
| Lead / CPM (7+ yrs) | ₹18.0–30.0+ LPA | Lead CRA, Clinical Project Manager |
Ranges are aggregated from active job postings, recruiter conversations, and our placement data across Chennai's clinical research employer base. Adjusted from the Pune baseline using city multipliers.
Where CRAs work in Chennai
Top employers hiring CRAs
- Syngene International
- Veeda Clinical Research
- Lambda Therapeutic Research
- IQVIA
- ICON plc
- Parexel
- Cipla
- Sun Pharma
- Lupin
- Glenmark
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