Function and Average Salary

• Directors of clinical affairs earn an average of $82,000 per year, according to a July 2011 SimplyHired report. Directors of clinical affairs are hired to manage patient relations and admissions and ensure that clinical, accounting and human resources procedures comply with government and industry regulations. These professionals develop programs that help measure clinical performance and improve internal processes for physicians, nurses and other medical staff. Directors also work closely with departments such as marketing and human resources to develop brochures, internal communications and other materials that attract patients and build partnerships with community organizations. In addition to supervising clinical staff members, directors of clinical affairs also recruit, train and review employees.
  
  

Geography

• Directors of clinical services working in Houston averaged $69,769. Professionals in Chicago and Dallas reported averaged salaries of $82,198 and $75,839 per year. In New York City, directors received an average annual wage of $88,623. Directors of clinical services also averaged $70,475 in Charlotte, $74,899 in Los Angeles and $77,228 in Miami.
  
  

Industry Comparison

• Compared to clinical managers across all industries, the national average salary for directors of clinical affairs departments was lower than the national average overall. For example, medical and health services managers averaged $93,670, according to a May 2010 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. However, earners in the 10th and 25th percentiles averaged annual wages between $51,280 and $65,650 per year. Professionals in the 75th to 90th percentile of earners reported average salaries between $109,490 and $144,880 annually.
  
  

Job Outlook

• Directors of clinical affairs should expect positive job prospects through the year 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment for medical and health services managers is projected to rise 16 percent due to rapid growth in the health care industry. In addition to technological innovations in medicine, patient care and diagnostic testing methods, hospitals will seek to curb costs and increase staff productivity. Moreover, clinical affairs directors will be needed to help organizations keep pace with changing government regulations and patient demand for preventive health care services. Candidates with not only experience in the health care sector but also strong business operations and management skills will have the best chances for jobs with high pay and greater responsibility.