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The differences between biologists and research biologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a biologist and a research biologist. Additionally, a research biologist has an average salary of $69,719, which is higher than the $65,158 average annual salary of a biologist.
The top three skills for a biologist include data collection, GPS and renewable energy. The most important skills for a research biologist are laboratory equipment, research projects, and molecular biology.
| Biologist | Research Biologist | |
| Yearly salary | $65,158 | $69,719 |
| Hourly rate | $31.33 | $33.52 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 5,741 | 52,799 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
A biologist is a specialized scientist focusing on studying living organisms and their relationship to the existing ecosystem. Biologists spend lots of time doing research and validating theories to support the complexity of the living matter. In some cases, biologists could also be out in the field rather than staying in a laboratory to collect biological specimens to justify their findings and create reports from their scientific investigations. Biologists also often communicate with government entities and private industries to provide recommendations on preserving the ecosystem and wildlife habitat.
A research biologist is a scientist who works in the outdoors, laboratories, and offices to study the natural elements so that they can better understand how living organisms work. Research biologists must design experiments for various research projects conducted under standard operating procedures and good laboratory practice guidelines. They are required to supervise lab technicians and veterinary medicine students in their respective research projects and studies. Research biologists must also provide support for clinical research protocols through laboratory procedures and protocols.
Biologists and research biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biologist | Research Biologist | |
| Average salary | $65,158 | $69,719 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $91,000 | Between $50,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Juneau, AK |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a biologist and a research biologist in terms of educational background:
| Biologist | Research Biologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between biologists' and research biologists' demographics:
| Biologist | Research Biologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6% | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 10.4% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 15.7% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |