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The differences between research coordinators and senior program 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 research coordinator, becoming a senior program coordinator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior program coordinator has an average salary of $74,468, which is higher than the $48,974 average annual salary of a research coordinator.
The top three skills for a research coordinator include patients, informed consent and data collection. The most important skills for a senior program coordinator are alumni, excellent organizational, and powerpoint.
| Research Coordinator | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $48,974 | $74,468 |
| Hourly rate | $23.55 | $35.80 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 65,406 | 80,629 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A research coordinator is responsible for assisting the development of research data from clinical trials and laboratory investigations under the supervision of a lead researcher or a research supervisor. In some cases, research coordinators conduct field investigations and analyze existing research materials upon understanding the scope and limitations of the study. They enter their findings and useful resources on the research database for reference to the research team. A research coordinator must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, especially on gathering data and coordinating with other researchers for the progress and updates of the study.
A senior program coordinator is primarily in charge of spearheading and managing programs, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities revolve around participating in setting goals and objectives, securing funding and sponsors, overseeing the workforce, and even establishing guidelines. They may also facilitate communication within the company and liaise with external parties. Furthermore, as a senior program coordinator, it is essential to lead and encourage the teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
Research coordinators and senior program coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Coordinator | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $48,974 | $74,468 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $68,000 | Between $46,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | BNP Paribas | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a research coordinator and a senior program coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Research Coordinator | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between research coordinators' and senior program coordinators' demographics:
| Research Coordinator | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.1% Female, 70.9% | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 10.2% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.4% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 16% |