Speech-Language Pathologist 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.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Oversee the logistics and compliance of clinical trials and research studies.
Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average — the national median is $32,239/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.
Speech-Language Pathologist vs Clinical Research Coordinator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Speech-Language Pathologist | Clinical Research Coordinator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,321 | $97,318 | Speech-Language +$44,003 |
| New York, NY | $119,548 | $79,409 | Speech-Language +$40,139 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,695 | $96,138 | Speech-Language +$43,557 |
| Austin, TX | $112,282 | $73,179 | Speech-Language +$39,103 |
| Chicago, IL | $103,493 | $71,660 | Speech-Language +$31,833 |
| Boston, MA | $125,361 | $88,353 | Speech-Language +$37,008 |
| London, UK | £74,721 | £50,476 | Speech-Language +$24,245 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,294 | CA$86,497 | Speech-Language +$39,797 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Research Coordinator earn more?+
A Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $97,870/year, compared to $65,631/year for a Clinical Research Coordinator — a difference of $32,239 (49%).
Which has better career growth — Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Speech-Language Pathologist roles are growing at 19% YoY while Clinical Research Coordinator demand is growing at 15% YoY. Speech-Language Pathologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Speech-Language Pathologist 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 — Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Research Coordinator?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.