Clinical Research Coordinator vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Occupational Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $34,699/year (53%) higher than a Clinical Research Coordinator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Clinical Research Coordinator vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Clinical Research Coordinator | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,318 | $142,857 | Clinical $45,539 |
| New York, NY | $79,409 | $124,025 | Clinical $44,616 |
| Seattle, WA | $96,138 | $142,137 | Clinical $45,999 |
| Austin, TX | $73,179 | $108,921 | Clinical $35,742 |
| Chicago, IL | $71,660 | $105,288 | Clinical $33,628 |
| Boston, MA | $88,353 | $129,144 | Clinical $40,791 |
| London, UK | £50,476 | £76,976 | Clinical $26,500 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$86,497 | CA$136,460 | Clinical $49,963 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Research Coordinator or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Occupational Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Clinical Research Coordinator is $65,631/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $34,699 (53%).
Which has better career growth — Clinical Research Coordinator or Occupational Therapist?+
Clinical Research Coordinator roles are growing at 15% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Clinical Research Coordinator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Clinical Research Coordinator to Occupational Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Clinical Research Coordinator or Occupational Therapist?+
Occupational Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.