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The differences between behavioral scientists and professional research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a behavioral scientist has an average salary of $84,521, which is higher than the $58,202 average annual salary of a professional research assistant.
The top three skills for a behavioral scientist include research projects, statistical analysis and data analysis. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Behavioral Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $84,521 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $40.64 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 45,246 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
A behavioral scientist specializes in studying human behavior and interactions with various organisms. As a behavioral scientist, they are responsible for conducting studies, planning procedures according to research requirements, gathering and analyzing data, conducting surveys and interviews, and observing subjects. Through their research findings, a behavioral scientist develops conclusions and recommendations significant to the study's purpose. There are also times when they may provide consultations, facilitate seminars, and even help establish various programs. When it comes to employment, a behavioral scientist may work for government agencies, private or public laboratories, and even teach at learning institutions.
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.
Behavioral scientists and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Behavioral Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $84,521 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $137,000 | 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 a behavioral scientist and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Behavioral Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Biology |
| Most common college | Columbia University in the City of New York | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between behavioral scientists' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Behavioral Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 5.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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 | 11% | 8% |