Registered Dietitian vs Clinical Research Coordinator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Dietitian
Provide evidence-based nutritional guidance and meal plans for individuals.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Registered Dietitian earns more on average — the national median is $10,769/year (16%) higher than a Clinical Research Coordinator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Dietitian vs Clinical Research Coordinator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Dietitian | Clinical Research Coordinator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $111,580 | $97,318 | Registered +$14,262 |
| New York, NY | $91,691 | $79,409 | Registered +$12,282 |
| Seattle, WA | $107,646 | $96,138 | Registered +$11,508 |
| Austin, TX | $84,638 | $73,179 | Registered +$11,459 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,536 | $71,660 | Registered +$10,876 |
| Boston, MA | $98,403 | $88,353 | Registered +$10,050 |
| London, UK | £59,011 | £50,476 | Registered +$8,535 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,162 | CA$86,497 | Registered +$14,665 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Dietitian or Clinical Research Coordinator earn more?+
A Registered Dietitian earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Dietitian is $76,400/year, compared to $65,631/year for a Clinical Research Coordinator — a difference of $10,769 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Dietitian or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Registered Dietitian roles are growing at 11% YoY while Clinical Research Coordinator demand is growing at 15% YoY. Clinical Research Coordinator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Dietitian to Clinical Research Coordinator?+
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 — Registered Dietitian or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Registered Dietitian has a lower AI automation risk (26% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.