Salary report · US · 2026
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Salary
The average clinical research coordinator (crc) salary is $58,653 per year in the United States in 2026. Base pay runs from $45,000 at the 10th percentile to $75,000 at the 90th, with a median of $59,000. Bonuses add $301–$5,000, putting total pay between roughly $43,000 and $74,000.
Definition & distribution
What is the average clinical research coordinator (crc) salary?
The average base salary for a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) is $58,653 per year. This figure reflects the compensation landscape for this role in 2026.
The 10th percentile salary is $45,000, while the 90th percentile sits at $75,000, indicating a significant spread in earnings. This implies that there is a wide range of experience and responsibility levels within the role.
Known limitations. The data is based on a sample size of 1,873 profiles, which provides a reasonable overview but may not capture all nuances of the role.
Pay components
How is clinical research coordinator (crc) total pay structured?
Salaries for Clinical Research Coordinators may include base pay and potential bonuses.
| Component | Low | High | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $45,000 | $75,000 | Dense around the $59k median |
| Annual bonus | $301 | $5,000 | Up to ~7% of top-end base |
| Total pay | $43,000 | $74,000 | Base plus reported bonus |
Pay by experience
How does experience change a clinical research coordinator (crc) salary?
Compensation for Clinical Research Coordinators typically increases with experience. As professionals gain expertise, their earning potential rises accordingly.
- 01
Entry-Level
Entry-level Clinical Research Coordinators can expect to earn around $43,000 per year.
- 02
Mid-Career
Mid-career professionals generally earn about $59,000 per year, reflecting increased responsibilities.
- 03
Senior-Level
Senior Clinical Research Coordinators may earn up to $75,000 per year, showcasing their advanced skills and leadership roles.
Skills
Which skills affect a clinical research coordinator (crc) salary?
The following skills can influence salary levels for Clinical Research Coordinators.
- 01
Clinical Research — the premium tier
Expertise in clinical research can significantly enhance earning potential.
- 02
Regulatory Compliance — the premium tier
Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance is highly valued and can lead to higher salaries.
- 03
Project Coordinating — the promotion tier
Mastering project coordinating skills can prepare professionals for advancement to higher roles.
Geography
Where do clinical research coordinator (crc)s earn the most?
Salaries can vary significantly by city.
| Metro | Market character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | Healthcare & education hub | Higher cost of living may affect salary expectations. |
| Philadelphia, PA | Diverse healthcare market | Competitive salaries relative to local cost of living. |
| Chicago, IL | Major metropolitan area | Offers a range of opportunities in clinical research. |
| New York, NY | Global finance & healthcare center | Typically higher salaries but also higher living costs. |
| Los Angeles, CA | Entertainment & biotech industries | Salary levels may be influenced by the local economy. |
Check your pay
Where does your salary fall?
Use our salary calculator to check where you stand in the pay percentile.
Raising your pay
How can clinical research coordinator (crc)s increase their salary?
There are several ways to potentially increase your salary as a Clinical Research Coordinator.
- 01
Pursue additional certifications
Obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications and justify higher pay.
- 02
Gain specialized experience
Focusing on niche areas within clinical research can make you more valuable to employers.
- 03
Negotiate your salary
Being prepared to negotiate can lead to better compensation packages.
FAQ
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) salary: FAQ
The highest reported salary is $75,000 per year.
The lowest reported salary is $45,000 per year.
You can increase your salary by pursuing additional certifications, gaining specialized experience, and negotiating your salary.
Yes, bonuses can range from $301 to $5,000, depending on performance and employer.
The data is based on 1,873 profiles, providing a solid overview but may not account for all variables.
Negotiating is a conversation. Applying is paperwork.
You now know what a clinical research coordinator (crc) salary should be. The remaining problem is the two hundred identical application forms between you and the offer. We build the API that fills them. If you're building a job-search product, that's our department.