Nurse Practitioner 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.
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing and treating conditions.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Nurse Practitioner earns more on average — the national median is $66,669/year (102%) higher than a Clinical Research Coordinator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Nurse Practitioner vs Clinical Research Coordinator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Nurse Practitioner | Clinical Research Coordinator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $187,882 | $97,318 | Nurse +$90,564 |
| New York, NY | $163,340 | $79,409 | Nurse +$83,931 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,574 | $96,138 | Nurse +$96,436 |
| Austin, TX | $143,940 | $73,179 | Nurse +$70,761 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,454 | $71,660 | Nurse +$67,794 |
| Boston, MA | $174,490 | $88,353 | Nurse +$86,137 |
| London, UK | £104,229 | £50,476 | Nurse +$53,753 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$171,863 | CA$86,497 | Nurse +$85,366 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Research Coordinator earn more?+
A Nurse Practitioner earns more on average. The national median salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $132,300/year, compared to $65,631/year for a Clinical Research Coordinator — a difference of $66,669 (102%).
Which has better career growth — Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Nurse Practitioner roles are growing at 40% YoY while Clinical Research Coordinator demand is growing at 15% YoY. Nurse Practitioner has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Nurse Practitioner 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 — Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Nurse Practitioner has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.