Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between clinical research assistants and coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a clinical research assistant, becoming a coordinator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a coordinator has an average salary of $41,599, which is higher than the $39,837 average annual salary of a clinical research assistant.
The top three skills for a clinical research assistant include patients, informed consent and data collection. The most important skills for a coordinator are customer service, patients, and excellent organizational.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,837 | $41,599 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $20.00 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 97,380 | 151,508 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
Clinical research assistants are responsible for assisting with scientific studies and monitoring clinical trials. Other duties and responsibilities include ensuring compliance with clinical trial procedures and protocols, finding research subjects, and collecting and analyzing data. In addition, they are responsible for overseeing clinical site activities and preparing documentation, presentation, and correspondence on findings. They are also expected to prepare informed consent for clinical trials and conduct audits on research trials. The skills and qualifications required for this role include a bachelor's degree in psychology, science or related field, previous work experience, and excellent communication skills.
Coordinators are responsible for liaising between the department they are assigned to and any other external party. They oversee projects or agreements. They are in charge of following through negotiations between the two parties regarding work. They see through the conduct of such contracts by ensuring that all terms are amenable to both parties. They maintain records and other necessary data and paperwork. They also ensure that office policy and guidelines are being followed. Coordinators also ensure that all projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
Clinical research assistants and coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $39,837 | $41,599 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $54,000 | Between $27,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Farmington, CT | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Technology |
There are a few differences between a clinical research assistant and a coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between clinical research assistants' and coordinators' demographics:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Coordinator | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% | Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.9% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 6.4% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |