Clinical Research Coordinators
Clinical research coordinators plan and direct the activities of research teams working on clinical trials and studies. They ensure projects follow established protocols, manage data collection, and analyze results. This work takes place in hospitals, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and academic medical institutions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical research coordinators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves monitoring ongoing clinical trials, reviewing participant data for accuracy and compliance, and coordinating between research staff, participants, and principal investigators. Coordinators prepare reports, update protocols when needed, troubleshoot enrollment issues, and attend team meetings. The work balances administrative tasks with direct oversight of research activities to keep projects on track and meet objectives.
Who this work suits
Holland code ICE. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You like systematic problem-solving and work that requires close attention to rules and procedures. You're detail-oriented, enjoy organizing complex information, and prefer roles where you can verify accuracy and ensure compliance with established standards. You thrive in structured environments where your contributions directly support larger scientific goals.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $214,550 | $267,290 | $321,770 | 10,590 |
| Connecticut | $170,560 | $210,670 | $259,720 | 1,190 |
| California | $167,630 | $210,230 | $304,380 | 14,950 |
| New Jersey | $169,560 | $207,030 | $281,510 | 10,040 |
| Washington | $142,130 | $182,480 | $223,260 | 2,490 |
| North Carolina | $134,460 | $173,870 | $216,510 | 6,010 |
| Maryland | $141,530 | $168,620 | $200,510 | 4,820 |
| Illinois | $115,190 | $159,670 | $208,440 | 2,810 |
| District of Columbia | $126,730 | $156,730 | $185,220 | 1,540 |
| Kansas | $121,590 | $153,820 | $190,420 | 240 |
| Colorado | $121,090 | $152,730 | $210,340 | 1,640 |
| Virginia | $110,300 | $150,570 | $185,220 | 1,470 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) — Association of Clinical Research Professionals
- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) — Association of Clinical Research Professionals
- Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) — The Society of Clinical Research Associates
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) — Research Administrators Certification Council
- Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) — Research Administrators Certification Council
- Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) — Society for Clinical Data Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical research coordinators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9121.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.