Clinical Research Coordinator vs Physician (General Practice): 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.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $178,549/year (272%) 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 Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Clinical Research Coordinator | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,318 | $363,590 | Clinical $266,272 |
| New York, NY | $79,409 | $294,372 | Clinical $214,963 |
| Seattle, WA | $96,138 | $353,641 | Clinical $257,503 |
| Austin, TX | $73,179 | $272,440 | Clinical $199,261 |
| Chicago, IL | $71,660 | $255,595 | Clinical $183,935 |
| Boston, MA | $88,353 | $311,219 | Clinical $222,866 |
| London, UK | £50,476 | £101,944 | Clinical $51,468 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$86,497 | CA$294,137 | Clinical $207,640 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Research Coordinator or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Clinical Research Coordinator is $65,631/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $178,549 (272%).
Which has better career growth — Clinical Research Coordinator or Physician (General Practice)?+
Clinical Research Coordinator roles are growing at 15% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Clinical Research Coordinator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Clinical Research Coordinator to Physician (General Practice)?+
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 Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.