Clinical Research Coordinator vs Physical 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.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $37,129/year (57%) 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 Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Clinical Research Coordinator | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,318 | $147,222 | Clinical $49,904 |
| New York, NY | $79,409 | $125,297 | Clinical $45,888 |
| Seattle, WA | $96,138 | $150,655 | Clinical $54,517 |
| Austin, TX | $73,179 | $111,606 | Clinical $38,427 |
| Chicago, IL | $71,660 | $108,575 | Clinical $36,915 |
| Boston, MA | $88,353 | $131,643 | Clinical $43,290 |
| London, UK | £50,476 | £79,889 | Clinical $29,413 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$86,497 | CA$134,561 | Clinical $48,064 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Research Coordinator or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Clinical Research Coordinator is $65,631/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $37,129 (57%).
Which has better career growth — Clinical Research Coordinator or Physical Therapist?+
Clinical Research Coordinator roles are growing at 15% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Clinical Research Coordinator to Physical 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 Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.