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Create CVIf you're searching for “clinical trial coordinator salary,” you're not just looking for an average number—you’re trying to understand how compensation really works in clinical research, why some coordinators plateau at $55K while others reach $90K+, and what it takes to move into higher-paying roles like CRA or clinical project manager.
From a recruiter and hiring manager perspective, Clinical Trial Coordinators (CTCs) sit at a critical intersection of operations, compliance, and patient-facing execution. Salary is driven less by tenure and more by protocol complexity, sponsor exposure, and regulatory ownership.
This guide breaks down exactly how salaries are determined, what top performers earn, and how to strategically increase your compensation in clinical research.
Clinical Trial Coordinator salaries vary based on employer type, therapeutic area, and experience level.
Realistic U.S. salary benchmarks:
Entry-level (0–2 years): $45,000 – $60,000
Mid-level (2–5 years): $60,000 – $75,000
Senior (5–8 years): $70,000 – $90,000
Lead / Site Manager track: $85,000 – $105,000+
Hourly rates (common in hospitals and research sites):
$22 – $30/hour (entry)
$30 – $40/hour (mid-level)
$40 – $55/hour (senior/contract roles)
Hiring managers in clinical research don’t just look at job titles. They evaluate your operational depth and compliance responsibility.
Phase I vs Phase III trials
Oncology vs general medicine
Multi-site vs single-site trials
Higher complexity = higher pay.
IRB submissions
FDA compliance
Audit readiness
Candidates who manage compliance independently command higher salaries.
Where you work has a massive impact on your compensation.
Salary: $50,000 – $75,000
Strong learning environment
Lower pay but high exposure
Salary: $55,000 – $80,000
Balanced pay and experience
High patient interaction
Key reality:
Clinical research salaries scale based on exposure to complex trials and sponsor interaction—not just years worked.
Direct communication with sponsors
Monitoring visit coordination
Query resolution
Exposure to sponsors signals readiness for higher-paying roles.
Recruitment rates
Retention performance
Screening-to-enrollment ratios
Recruiter Insight:
You are paid based on how much of the trial you “own,” not just support.
Salary: $65,000 – $95,000
Faster salary growth
More structured career paths
Salary: $75,000 – $110,000+
Highest compensation
Requires strong experience and sponsor exposure
Recruiter Insight:
The fastest salary growth happens when moving from site-level roles to CRO or sponsor-side positions.
California (San Diego, Bay Area): $70,000 – $110,000
Massachusetts (Boston): $75,000 – $105,000
New Jersey (pharma hub): $70,000 – $100,000
Trend Insight:
Biotech hubs consistently pay more due to competition for experienced coordinators.
The difference is not time—it’s ownership and exposure.
Data entry and patient scheduling
Limited regulatory involvement
Supervised tasks
Full protocol management
Direct sponsor interaction
Audit readiness ownership
Hiring Manager Reality:
Senior coordinators are trusted to run trials—not just support them.
Certifications are optional—but powerful when used strategically.
ACRP (Association of Clinical Research Professionals)
SOCRA (Society of Clinical Research Associates)
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)
Signal regulatory knowledge
Increase promotion opportunities
Required for some CRO roles
Clinical research is highly keyword-driven.
If your resume lacks key terminology, you may be filtered into lower-paying roles.
GCP (Good Clinical Practice)
IRB submissions
FDA regulations
Adverse event reporting
Informed consent
EDC systems (e.g., Medidata, Oracle)
Key Insight:
Candidates with strong compliance language are perceived as higher-risk mitigation assets—and are paid accordingly.
Two candidates can have similar experience—but vastly different offers.
“Assisted with clinical trials and patient coordination.”
“Coordinated Phase III oncology trials, managing 50+ patients, overseeing IRB submissions, and ensuring full GCP compliance with zero audit findings.”
What changed?
Specific trial phase
Patient volume
Compliance ownership
Recruiter Insight:
The second candidate is immediately positioned for higher-paying roles or CRA progression.
Oncology (highest paying)
Neurology
Rare diseases
Specialization increases demand and salary.
CRA (Clinical Research Associate): $85K – $130K+
Clinical Project Manager: $100K – $160K+
Coordinators who position themselves for transition earn more.
EDC systems
CTMS platforms
Data management tools
Target:
Oncology
Phase II/III studies
Multi-site trials
Lead regulatory submissions
Manage audits
Own patient enrollment
This is the biggest salary jump.
Monitoring exposure
Site management
Travel flexibility
Great for learning—but limited salary growth.
Regulatory work is a major salary driver.
Lack of specificity reduces perceived value.
Typical progression:
Year 1–2: $50K
Year 3–4: $60K–$70K
Year 5–7: $70K–$90K
Transition to CRA: $90K–$120K+
Top performers accelerate by switching environments strategically.
Top earners follow a clear pattern:
Oncology and complex trials.
Direct communication = higher value.
Site → CRO → Sponsor.
CRA is the gateway to high earnings.
Candidate Name: Emily Chen
Job Title: Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced Clinical Trial Coordinator with 7+ years managing Phase II–III oncology trials in high-volume research environments. Proven expertise in regulatory compliance, patient recruitment, and sponsor coordination, with a strong track record of successful audits and trial execution.
CORE COMPETENCIES
GCP & FDA Compliance
IRB Submissions & Regulatory Management
Patient Recruitment & Retention
Adverse Event Reporting
EDC Systems (Medidata, Oracle)
Sponsor & CRO Coordination
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator – Oncology Trials
Boston Medical Research Institute | Boston, MA | 2020 – Present
Managed Phase III oncology trials with 60+ active patients
Led IRB submissions and regulatory processes with zero audit findings
Coordinated directly with sponsors and CROs, ensuring protocol adherence
Improved patient retention rates by 25% through optimized engagement strategies
Clinical Trial Coordinator – Multi-Site Studies
Health Research Network | Boston, MA | 2017 – 2020
Supported Phase II trials across multiple sites
Assisted with patient recruitment, screening, and informed consent
Maintained accurate documentation and compliance with GCP standards
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Biology
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)
ACRP Certification
Your salary is driven by:
Trial complexity
Regulatory ownership
Sponsor exposure
Therapeutic specialization
Career positioning
The highest-paid coordinators are not just administrators—they are compliance leaders and operational owners of clinical trials.
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