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The differences between graduate interns and graduate research students can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a graduate internship has an average salary of $52,511, which is higher than the $34,658 average annual salary of a graduate research student.
The top three skills for a graduate internship include patients, python and java. The most important skills for a graduate research student are lab equipment, laboratory equipment, and python.
| Graduate Internship | Graduate Research Student | |
| Yearly salary | $52,511 | $34,658 |
| Hourly rate | $25.25 | $16.66 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 48,962 | 58,921 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A graduate internship is a short-term experience that oftentimes leads to a permanent position. The academic program allows graduates to experience different roles within an organization. This professional learning experience provides them with practical and meaningful work associated with their career interest or field of study. Many interns are hired by the company where they are working under an internship program due to their relevant work experience.
Graduate research students are learners who conduct degree program-related research in a research unit or an academic department. These students manage themselves independently as well as their work. They make certain that they have familiarized the requirements of the university. Educators and other scholars expect them to develop enough research and skills. Their responsibilities include academic honesty, participation in supervisory meetings, and maintenance of effective supervisor communication. In terms of their research, they should have a research plan ahead.
Graduate interns and graduate research students have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graduate Internship | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average salary | $52,511 | $34,658 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $88,000 | Between $19,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Menorah Medical Center | Capgemini |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Education |
There are a few differences between a graduate internship and a graduate research student in terms of educational background:
| Graduate Internship | Graduate Research Student | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between graduate interns' and graduate research students' demographics:
| Graduate Internship | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9% | Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 10.4% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |