Respiratory Therapist 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.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Respiratory Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $15,842/year (24%) higher than a Clinical Research Coordinator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Respiratory Therapist vs Clinical Research Coordinator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Clinical Research Coordinator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $97,318 | Respiratory +$22,739 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $79,409 | Respiratory +$18,464 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $96,138 | Respiratory +$22,616 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $73,179 | Respiratory +$16,178 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $71,660 | Respiratory +$18,261 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $88,353 | Respiratory +$20,211 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £50,476 | Respiratory +$11,293 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$86,497 | Respiratory +$24,083 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Clinical Research Coordinator earn more?+
A Respiratory Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $65,631/year for a Clinical Research Coordinator — a difference of $15,842 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Clinical Research Coordinator demand is growing at 15% YoY. Clinical Research Coordinator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist 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 — Respiratory Therapist or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.