Clinical Research Coordinator vs Surgeon: 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.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $358,707/year (547%) 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 Surgeon — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Clinical Research Coordinator | Surgeon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,318 | $600,082 | Clinical $502,764 |
| New York, NY | $79,409 | $498,340 | Clinical $418,931 |
| Seattle, WA | $96,138 | $606,568 | Clinical $510,430 |
| Austin, TX | $73,179 | $487,767 | Clinical $414,588 |
| Chicago, IL | $71,660 | $464,470 | Clinical $392,810 |
| Boston, MA | $88,353 | $566,760 | Clinical $478,407 |
| London, UK | £50,476 | £236,648 | Clinical $186,172 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$86,497 | CA$419,646 | Clinical $333,149 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Research Coordinator or Surgeon earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Clinical Research Coordinator is $65,631/year, compared to $424,338/year for a Surgeon — a difference of $358,707 (547%).
Which has better career growth — Clinical Research Coordinator or Surgeon?+
Clinical Research Coordinator roles are growing at 15% YoY while Surgeon demand is growing at 4% YoY. Clinical Research Coordinator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Clinical Research Coordinator to Surgeon?+
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 Surgeon?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.