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The differences between clinical research associates 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 associate, becoming a coordinator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a clinical research associate has an average salary of $62,966, which is higher than the $41,599 average annual salary of a coordinator.
The top three skills for a clinical research associate include patients, informed consent and CRA. The most important skills for a coordinator are customer service, patients, and excellent organizational.
| Clinical Research Associate | Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $62,966 | $41,599 |
| Hourly rate | $30.27 | $20.00 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 94,336 | 151,508 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A clinical research associate is responsible for assisting medical professionals in clinical trials and conducting research studies on medications and medical procedures. Clinical research associates monitor the research materials, ensuring its safety and reliability through trial procedures, writing comprehensive reports of results, and disseminating information across the concerned parties. They also provide recommendations on improving clinical processes, reiterating protocol requirements, and maintaining strict confidentiality of the trial subjects. A clinical research associate must have extensive knowledge of the medical industry, including its disciplines and principles, to perform duties accurately under minimal supervision.
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 associates and coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Associate | Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $62,966 | $41,599 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $91,000 | Between $27,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a clinical research associate and a coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Associate | Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between clinical research associates' and coordinators' demographics:
| Clinical Research Associate | Coordinator | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.3% Female, 71.7% | Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 13.0% White, 62.9% 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% |