Physician Assistant 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.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $70,249/year (107%) higher than a Clinical Research Coordinator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Clinical Research Coordinator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Clinical Research Coordinator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $97,318 | Physician +$96,853 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $79,409 | Physician +$82,224 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $96,138 | Physician +$71,152 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $73,179 | Physician +$76,225 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $71,660 | Physician +$72,406 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $88,353 | Physician +$88,279 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £50,476 | Physician +$57,402 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$86,497 | Physician +$96,248 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Clinical Research Coordinator earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $65,631/year for a Clinical Research Coordinator — a difference of $70,249 (107%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Clinical Research Coordinator demand is growing at 15% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant 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 — Physician Assistant or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.