Registered Nurse 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 Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Registered Nurse earns more on average — the national median is $31,919/year (49%) higher than a Clinical Research Coordinator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Clinical Research Coordinator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Clinical Research Coordinator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $97,318 | Registered +$41,312 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $79,409 | Registered +$36,364 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $96,138 | Registered +$42,729 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $73,179 | Registered +$33,860 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $71,660 | Registered +$31,120 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $88,353 | Registered +$41,412 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £50,476 | Registered +$1,561 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$86,497 | Registered +$8,117 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Clinical Research Coordinator earn more?+
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $65,631/year for a Clinical Research Coordinator — a difference of $31,919 (49%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% 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 Nurse 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 Nurse or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Registered Nurse has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.