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The differences between graduate research students and postdoctoral scholars can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a postdoctoral scholar has an average salary of $57,587, which is higher than the $34,658 average annual salary of a graduate research student.
The top three skills for a graduate research student include lab equipment, laboratory equipment and python. The most important skills for a postdoctoral scholar are chemistry, python, and patients.
| Graduate Research Student | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Yearly salary | $34,658 | $57,587 |
| Hourly rate | $16.66 | $27.69 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 58,921 | 18,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
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.
A Postdoctoral Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.
Graduate research students and postdoctoral scholars have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graduate Research Student | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average salary | $34,658 | $57,587 |
| Salary range | Between $19,000 And $60,000 | Between $41,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | California |
| Best paying company | Capgemini | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Education | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graduate research student and a postdoctoral scholar in terms of educational background:
| Graduate Research Student | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between graduate research students' and postdoctoral scholars' demographics:
| Graduate Research Student | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8% | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |