How big is the CRO industry now, how fast is it growing, and where is outsourcing headed? 2024 CRO revenue sits in the low-to-mid $60 billions, growing ~7–8% annually, with clinical services and oncology leading.
Sponsors depend on CROs for speed, scale, and global reach—whether full-service or FSP models. As trial complexity rises and timelines compress, outsourcing keeps expanding. This analysis compiles the most-cited CRO industry statistics for 2024–2025 and reconciles differences so you can plan with confidence.
“It’s estimated that nearly three out of every four clinical trials are conducted by contract research organizations (CROs), highlighting just how much sponsors value — and rely on — the work that CROs perform.” — PPD (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Also Read: 7 Things Your Imaging CRO Needs in 2025: Staying Ahead in Clinical Trials
Across reputable firms, growth converges in the high single digits, while scope definitions (healthcare vs. pharma CRO, included services) shift the base.
“The global contract research organization market accounted for USD 59.8 billion in 2023. The market is anticipated to grow from USD 63.3 billion in 2024 to USD 118.2 billion in 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.1%.” — Mariam Faizullabhoy and Gauri Wani, Global Market Insights
Also Read: Clinical Trial Imaging Market: Size, Growth Analysis, Forecast 2024–2029
Clinical development remains the lion’s share of CRO revenue—Phase I–III execution, site management, monitoring, data management, and biostats. Grand View Research’s segmentation places clinical services near three-quarters of revenue.
“The clinical segment dominated the healthcare contract research organization market with a share of 75.67% in 2024.” — Grand View Research
Also Read: Imaging Vendors for Clinical Trials
Oncology is consistently the largest therapeutic area by CRO revenue, reflecting complex protocols and precision medicine pipelines.
“Oncology represented the largest therapeutic area segment in 2024.” — Grand View Research
Grand View Research’s pharma-CRO report quantifies oncology at ~30.66% in 2024. See Grand View Research (pharmaceutical CRO).
As sponsors navigate the 2025 patent cliff, pricing pressure, and talent constraints, they’re reshaping operating models with technology and targeted outsourcing.
“North America dominated the contract research organization (CRO) services market with a 50.19% share in 2024…” — Fortune Business Insights
Use these headline figures to align budgets and vendor strategy.
For scope reconciliation:
“The global healthcare contract research organization market size was estimated at USD 55.84 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 59.62 billion in 2025.” — Grand View Research
Also Read: Global Teleradiology Market Size, Growth, and Statistics 2024
What is the CRO market size in 2024? Between ~$56B and ~$79B depending on scope; GMI cites $63.3B.
What CRO industry CAGR should I plan for? 7–8% is a prudent planning range across major firms.
Which segments lead? Clinical services (~75%), with oncology the largest therapeutic area (~31%).
Reviewed by: Pilar Flores Gastellu on November 5, 2025