Research nurse vs research administrator

The differences between research nurses and research 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 nurse and a research administrator. Additionally, a research nurse has an average salary of $53,463, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a research nurse include patients, informed consent and data collection. The most important skills for a research administrator are research administration, customer service, and principal investigators.

Research nurse vs research administrator overview

	Research Nurse	Research Administrator
Yearly salary	$53,463	$52,667
Hourly rate	$25.70	$25.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	46,665	99,798
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a research nurse do?

A research nurse specializes in conducting studies and scientific research for healthcare and medical development. They may work for medical facilities, private clinics, learning institutions, and government agencies. It is their duty to design research strategies and procedures, gather and analyze samples through various scientific methods, coordinate with other experts, and develop treatment and healthcare plans to optimize patient services and outcomes. Moreover, a research nurse typically works with a team of researchers, which requires an active communication line while adhering to the organization's policies and regulations.

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.

Research nurse vs research administrator salary

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

	Research Nurse	Research Administrator
Average salary	$53,463	$52,667
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $74,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings	Kronos Incorporated
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Health Care

Differences between research nurse and research administrator education

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

	Research Nurse	Research Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Nursing	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Stanford University

Research nurse vs research administrator demographics

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

	Research Nurse	Research Administrator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 9.2% Female, 90.8%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 8.4% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between research nurse and research administrator duties and responsibilities

Research nurse example responsibilities.

Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Adhere to local and country specific GCP and ICH guidelines.
Ensure coordinator and investigator compliance with GCP and ICH guidelines.
Assure compliance with good clinical practice (GCP) guidelines and FDA regulations.
Ensure appropriate source documentation, drug accountability and study compliance according to GCP and CFR.
Oversee study protocol implementation to ensure compliance with FDA and other regulatory bodies' rules and regulations.

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.

Research nurse vs research administrator skills

Common research nurse skills

Patients, 18%
Informed Consent, 11%
Data Collection, 5%
IRB, 5%
Oncology, 4%
Research Projects, 4%

Common research administrator skills

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

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Research Nurse
Research Nurse vs Research Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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