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The differences between asbestos microscopists and professional research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an asbestos microscopist, becoming a professional research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a professional research assistant has an average salary of $58,202, which is higher than the $57,182 average annual salary of an asbestos microscopist.
The top three skills for an asbestos microscopist include PLM, TEM and electron microscope. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Asbestos Microscopist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $57,182 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $27.49 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 249 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 39 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
Asbestos microscopists prepare and analyze materials for asbestos fibers. These professionals complete material analyses correctly and give updates about the results. They perform data entry precisely and efficiently and maintain and calibrate microscopes to improve their accuracy. Also, Asbestos microscopists attend scheduled training seminars and departmental meetings. Other duties performed by Asbestos microscopists include maintaining professional attendance for scheduled shifts and accurately identifying challenging samples. Moreover, Asbestos microscopists establish and maintain excellent relationships with other staff members.
A professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Asbestos microscopists and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Asbestos Microscopist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $57,182 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $98,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between an asbestos microscopist and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Asbestos Microscopist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between asbestos microscopists' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Asbestos Microscopist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 39 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.7% Female, 33.3% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 81.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 8% |