Research administrator vs administrator

The differences between research administrators and administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a research administrator and an administrator. Additionally, an administrator has an average salary of $72,882, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a research administrator include research administration, customer service and principal investigators. The most important skills for an administrator are customer service, data entry, and troubleshoot.

Research administrator vs administrator overview

	Research Administrator	Administrator
Yearly salary	$52,667	$72,882
Hourly rate	$25.32	$35.04
Growth rate	6%	5%
Number of jobs	99,798	67,553
Job satisfaction	2	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	44	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does an administrator do?

Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.

Research administrator vs administrator salary

Research administrators and administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Research Administrator	Administrator
Average salary	$52,667	$72,882
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $67,000	Between $46,000 And $113,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Washington
Best paying company	Kronos Incorporated	Apple
Best paying industry	Health Care	Manufacturing

Differences between research administrator and administrator education

There are a few differences between a research administrator and an administrator in terms of educational background:

	Research Administrator	Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Research administrator vs administrator demographics

Here are the differences between research administrators' and administrators' demographics:

	Research Administrator	Administrator
Average age	44	43
Gender ratio	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%	Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between research administrator and administrator duties and responsibilities

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

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Administrator example responsibilities.

Develop a Perl script to manage the LDAP schema.
Hire and manage all receptionists and assistant MCA's.
Used all tools of Java stack in supporting and managing it.
Manage and process product orders on windows base on-line computer network system.
Manage ADP time system for technicians and approve time-off requests, supporting management.
Manage professional staff of 9 (including 5 MDs) and support staff of 10

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Research administrator vs administrator skills

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

Common administrator skills

Customer Service, 18%
Data Entry, 7%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Payroll, 6%
Financial Reports, 4%
Oversight, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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