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The differences between equity research analysts and investment associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an equity research analyst and an investment associate. Additionally, an investment associate has an average salary of $127,205, which is higher than the $119,540 average annual salary of an equity research analyst.
The top three skills for an equity research analyst include financial models, macro and securities. The most important skills for an investment associate are powerpoint, customer service, and client service.
| Equity Research Analyst | Investment Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $119,540 | $127,205 |
| Hourly rate | $57.47 | $61.16 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 85,974 | 39,012 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An equity research analyst is responsible for analyzing stock and securities markets, generating reports and performance projections, and advising clients on the best options for clients' financial portfolios. Equity research analysts should have excellent knowledge of the current stock market trends, especially the availability of the securities to identify investments that would sell in public. They evaluate the clients' needs out of their investment interests and risk appetite. An equity research analyst must be highly-communicative and analytical, especially on responding to clients' inquiries and concerns and informing investment managers on the stock and securities available.
An investment associate's primary role is to review a company's financial data, recommend investment strategies, oversee the distribution of stocks, and calculate possible risks for business mergers. They also serve as a mediator during agreements between companies during takeovers, monitors stock inventory, sell stocks, and details all financial transactions. In the course of these responsibilities, an investment associate provides administrative support and timely response to client requests as needed, acting as an additional point of communication for clients.
Equity research analysts and investment associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equity Research Analyst | Investment Associate | |
| Average salary | $119,540 | $127,205 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $182,000 | Between $72,000 And $222,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | Simmons Energy | Brookfield Properties |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Technology |
There are a few differences between an equity research analyst and an investment associate in terms of educational background:
| Equity Research Analyst | Investment Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Finance | Finance |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between equity research analysts' and investment associates' demographics:
| Equity Research Analyst | Investment Associate | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |