What are typical clinical research coordinator salaries?

Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

It depends on what your background it. Nurses tend to get paid a little more, but you don't have to be a nurse.

It does depend on your background and education. You should get certified that seems to be the requirement these days; or at least a recommendation..

Host said: Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

You cannot be certified unless you are a coordinator for 2 years. If you have no medical background you should take a basic medical terms class.

Personally, I've found that the market salary is on the lower end, even in California. The range is typically between $40k - $50k.

This isn't horrible as an entry-level position for recent undergrads, and with the experience you gain, it positions you for a higher salary as you move up the clinical research ladder.

Certification is definitely a plus if you don't have a master's. The requirement is 2 years on the job and then you can sit for the test.

FYIs in San Francisco, California said: Personally, I've found that the market salary is on the lower end, even in California. The range is typically between $40k - $50k.

This isn't horrible as an entry-level position for recent undergrads, and with the experience you gain, it positions you for a higher salary as you move up the clinical research ladder.

Wow, that's quite a bit higher than it is in the New York area. After extensive research and interviewing I've discovered that entry level positions for CRCs here start at about $37k. That was over 2 years ago when I accepted a position, but I doubt much as changed in that time.

Wow-those salaries seem low...I work in Utah, where wages are typically quite low, and I am earning above 40k. Although I have prior pharmaceutical and medical exp. it wasn't as a CRC. I have only been in the CRC position for a couple of months but still started above 40k....I was hoping to move to SF but if the salaries are about the same, there's no way I could afford it.
Does anyone know what CRCs typically do when they decide to move on from CRC-do most go to nursing school, or where do they go?

i think i am on the high end of the CRC income, i am not certified but yet i am earning 50,000/year. i think it all depends on your experience because most of the jobs here for CRC require you to have a Bachelors degree and i dont even have that.

Thanks to everyone for their comments! I'm a recent grad (BS Psychology) with minimal clinical research experience (summer research fellowship). I absolutely love this field and I am eager to find a job as a CRC so I can begin climbing the ladder!!! My plan is to find a CRC job to get some work experience on my resume, get certified , and start planning for graduate school (fall 2011 hopefully). I am debating between getting a Masters in Public Health or Masters in Clinical Research. Either way, I want to dedicate my life to research and I need advice as to which direction to take.
Where should I look for jobs? How can I prove that my qualifications are enough to be hired at the entry level? What are some good resume builders that will improve my chances of getting accepted into grad school? Any advice from those who've been in my shoes would be greatly appreciated!!!!

I think the RN goes the farthest with regard to pay. I had a BS in Psych and worked as a research specialist (assistant) for 5 yrs. When my grant ended, I wanted to pursue other options in research and it seemed that the RN credential was desired for both CRC and CRA positions. I went to nursing school in '05 and graduated with my RN in '07. I worked for 9 mo. as a staff nurse to get some clinical experience, but then returned to my first love, research. My starting salary as an entry level CRC in '08 was higher than other CRCs in the department, who had 5+ years of experience (however, it WAS slightly less than my salary as an RN). My salary has increased > 20% over the past 2 yrs. due to an interdepartmental transfer, despite a mandated pay freeze across the institution. Moreover, just today my boss informed me that I have his complete support to appeal to the Sr. Vice Chancellor for a significant pay increase (> 10%) because he thinks it's appropriate for my experience and caliber of work. In fact, the reason I found this post was that I was trying to research comparable salaries at other major research institutions. I was always under the impression that the University was on the low end, but from what has been reported here, I guess I was wrong (I will not share this information in my meeting with the Department of Medicine on Friday). Granted, my situation may not be typical. I actually applied to the position under mine, but was offered the lead instead. FYI: the person in the position under mine, who I was originally competing with for a position had 2 years experience, a Master's degree AND certification as a CCRP from SoCRA, but no RN. My boss recently hired two other coordinators, both were RNs with NO experience or Certs and they are hired at the level of the Master's/certified person. Of course it is always a good idea to get the credentials. I'm in an MSN program and plan to obtain CCRC through ACRP. Good luck!

Hi guys,
I am a foreign medical graduate (equivalent to US MD) and I am going to graduate with an MPH in may 2011. I am interested in applying for research/ clinical research coordinator positions. I am applying thru online job application sites but I am not getting any responses for interviews.. I am really disappointed and have started to think if I should pursue some more credentials such as Clinical research management certificates which would enable me to stand in the competition? does anyone have any advice for me? which are some of the useful certifications/courses for research coordinator positions?

I'm a nurse and have been in the research industry for 8 years and I make 85k + bonus, but started out at 45k.....I guess it all depends on the industry and what kind of knowlege and worker you are. Good Luck

Pay is not that great. I've been working in the industry at a very well known hospital in Los Angeles making < 45k, also considering the fact that I'm a level 2 and a college grad but not a nurse. I have over 5 years of experience in every aspect of clinical trials including filing submissions with the FDA.

Host said: Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

I have been working in the field for 5 years at an institution that is known for paying lower that others in this city. I have learned to pick up as many titles and job responsibilities as I can. I write grants, coordinate labs, conduct education. I am not a nurse and make a nice salary. Although it depends on the specialty you work in as well. Some specialties liek psych don't pay as much as other specialties

Can anyone suggest a range of a starting salaries for this?

Oncology CRC at a private research hospital
No clinical research experience, except at the bench (laboratory) level
B.S. molecular biology
Currently 1/3 of the way through a certificate in clinical trials program from same university
Human subjects / GCP training also taken from same university

Thanks everyone!