Study coordinator vs research administrator

The differences between study coordinators 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 study coordinator and a research administrator. Additionally, a research administrator has an average salary of $52,667, which is higher than the $47,435 average annual salary of a study coordinator.

The top three skills for a study coordinator include patients, informed consent and IRB. The most important skills for a research administrator are research administration, customer service, and principal investigators.

Study coordinator vs research administrator overview

	Study Coordinator	Research Administrator
Yearly salary	$47,435	$52,667
Hourly rate	$22.81	$25.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	14,929	99,798
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a study coordinator do?

Study coordinators oversee the entire process of clinical research from its inception to its completion. The coordinators make certain that human subjects are safe and well-protected. They identify the eligibility of the subject through clinical record screening and medical information extracting. It is their responsibility to maintain the regulatory documents based on the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They should develop skills and knowledge in clinical trials, study protocol, and patient care.

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.

Study coordinator vs research administrator salary

Study coordinators and research administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Study Coordinator	Research Administrator
Average salary	$47,435	$52,667
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $65,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Oakland, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Bloodworks Northwest	Kronos Incorporated
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between study coordinator and research administrator education

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

	Study Coordinator	Research Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Nursing	Business
Most common college	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	Stanford University

Study coordinator vs research administrator demographics

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

	Study Coordinator	Research Administrator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 64.8% 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 study coordinator and research administrator duties and responsibilities

Study coordinator example responsibilities.

Manage and analyze EKG and sleep data collect from subjects in confidential database.
Establish and maintain strong community partnerships to achieve HIV prevention objectives.
Conduct consent discussions and other study procedures per protocol and CFR and GCP guidelines.
Maintain strict patient confidentiality according to HIPPA regulations, GCP and ICH , 21 CFR and other regulatory documentation.
Maintain accurate IRB, regulatory and study documentation to insure compliance with protocol and good clinical practice guidelines.
Coordinate day-to-day study activities including data collection and statistical analysis, protocol development/implementation, IRB relations, and staff development.

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.

Study coordinator vs research administrator skills

Common study coordinator skills

Patients, 14%
Informed Consent, 9%
IRB, 7%
Data Collection, 5%
FDA, 5%
Clinical Trials, 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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Study Coordinator
Study Coordinator vs Research Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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