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The differences between bioinformatics scientists and bioinformatics analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a bioinformatics scientist, becoming a bioinformatics analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a bioinformatics scientist has an average salary of $91,530, which is higher than the $79,394 average annual salary of a bioinformatics analyst.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics scientist include python, next-generation sequencing and data analysis. The most important skills for a bioinformatics analyst are python, next-generation sequencing, and data analysis.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Bioinformatics Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $91,530 | $79,394 |
| Hourly rate | $44.00 | $38.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 57,026 | 30,669 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A bioinformatics scientist specializes in studying biology while utilizing their expertise in computer science. Their responsibilities revolve around developing databases and software for biological advances, improving existing applications as needed, coordinating with different scientists and professionals, and maintaining extensive records of all research and transactions. It is essential to review all data, identify issues, troubleshoot, and perform corrective measures as needed. In a company setting, a bioinformatics scientist must create progress reports and presentations, all while adhering to the company's vision, mission, and goals.
A bioinformatics analyst is responsible for assisting with laboratory examinations and research investigations on the Human Genome Project. Bioinformatics analysts analyze scientific data with the researchers to develop treatment plans for human diseases and maintain the accuracy of the database for algorithms. They submit genomic data to the medical professionals, write report findings, and discuss results to the researchers. A bioinformatics analyst must have excellent technical and analytical skills to operate various software tools and applications to generate data efficiently.
Bioinformatics scientists and bioinformatics analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Bioinformatics Analyst | |
| Average salary | $91,530 | $79,394 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $129,000 | Between $59,000 And $106,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Foster City, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Editas Medicine |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics scientist and a bioinformatics analyst in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Bioinformatics Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Biostatistics |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics scientists' and bioinformatics analysts' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Scientist | Bioinformatics Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.9% Female, 18.1% | Male, 49.2% Female, 50.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 38.6% White, 42.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 26.7% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |