Healthcare Administrator 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.
Healthcare Administrator
Manage hospital or clinic operations, staff, and compliance.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Healthcare Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $58,229/year (89%) higher than a Clinical Research Coordinator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Healthcare Administrator vs Clinical Research Coordinator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Healthcare Administrator | Clinical Research Coordinator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $182,245 | $97,318 | Healthcare +$84,927 |
| New York, NY | $147,855 | $79,409 | Healthcare +$68,446 |
| Seattle, WA | $160,100 | $96,138 | Healthcare +$63,962 |
| Austin, TX | $136,150 | $73,179 | Healthcare +$62,971 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,063 | $71,660 | Healthcare +$64,403 |
| Boston, MA | $164,627 | $88,353 | Healthcare +$76,274 |
| London, UK | £98,123 | £50,476 | Healthcare +$47,647 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,190 | CA$86,497 | Healthcare +$76,693 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Healthcare Administrator or Clinical Research Coordinator earn more?+
A Healthcare Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a Healthcare Administrator is $123,860/year, compared to $65,631/year for a Clinical Research Coordinator — a difference of $58,229 (89%).
Which has better career growth — Healthcare Administrator or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Healthcare Administrator roles are growing at 28% YoY while Clinical Research Coordinator demand is growing at 15% YoY. Healthcare Administrator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Healthcare Administrator 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 — Healthcare Administrator or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Clinical Research Coordinator has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.