Clinical Research Coordinator Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$64,000
national median salary
$50,000 to $82,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$88,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$67,000
Los Angeles, CA
Lowest Paying
$55,000
Detroit, MI
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Clinical Research Coordinator salary in the United States is $64,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $50,000 at the 25th percentile to $82,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $88,000, while Los Angeles offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Therapeutic area and trial phase drive the biggest pay differences.
Clinical Research Coordinator salary by city
What you should know
Therapeutic area and trial phase drive the biggest pay differences. Oncology, gene therapy, and Phase I trials pay the most due to protocol complexity. ACRP or SoCRA certification adds 8 to 12% above non-certified coordinators. Academic medical centers and large CROs in biotech hubs offer the highest salaries.
Entry-level CRCs start at $48,000 to $55,000 with a science degree. Certified CRCs with three to five years of experience earn $65,000 to $80,000. Senior CRCs or clinical research managers can reach $85,000 to $110,000 overseeing multi-site trials and regulatory submissions.
CRCs receive benefits including tuition reimbursement, certification exam fees, and conference attendance stipends. CRO-employed coordinators may receive project completion bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000. Some pharmaceutical sponsors offer annual merit increases of 3 to 6%.