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The differences between research specialists and research coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a research specialist, becoming a research coordinator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research specialist has an average salary of $52,662, which is higher than the $48,974 average annual salary of a research coordinator.
The top three skills for a research specialist include data collection, patients and research projects. The most important skills for a research coordinator are patients, informed consent, and data collection.
| Research Specialist | Research Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $52,662 | $48,974 |
| Hourly rate | $25.32 | $23.55 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 79,341 | 65,406 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
In a laboratory setting, a research specialist's responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting thorough research and analysis, producing extensive detailed reports, reviewing results, and coordinating with senior researchers and other laboratory personnel to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, a research specialist may contribute their expertise to other publications and articles, train or supervise new researchers, and implement all laboratory guidelines and safety regulations at all times.
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.
Research specialists and research coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Specialist | Research Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $52,662 | $48,974 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $77,000 | Between $35,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Novartis | BNP Paribas |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a research specialist and a research coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Research Specialist | Research Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Biology | Psychology |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research specialists' and research coordinators' demographics:
| Research Specialist | Research Coordinator | |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0% | Male, 29.1% Female, 70.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 9% |