clinical research coordinator

Hi,
I am looking for anyone with any info on what the salary range would be for a clinical research coordinator position in a large level 1 trauma center in the Northeast. I have searched other posts on what exactly the job entails and think this is something I would be interested in. I also am looking to become a CRA and work for a CRO after this experience. Would this be a job I should take to become a CRA, or should I seek out CRO's and become an entry level assistant? The CRC job is only 5 min from my house, all the other CRO's that contract with the drug companies are 1 hr. away. Would the CRC job prepare me to be a monitor/CRA? Would they see this as appropriate experience. I have an RN/BSN with 4 years critical care experience. Are salaries for CRC positions less than a staff nursing position? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!