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The differences between laboratory research assistants and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a laboratory research assistant and an assistant research scientist. Additionally, an assistant research scientist has an average salary of $62,780, which is higher than the $36,537 average annual salary of a laboratory research assistant.
The top three skills for a laboratory research assistant include data collection, patients and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $36,537 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $17.57 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 87,343 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A laboratory research assistant is an individual who performs lab experiments and carries out projects designed by senior lab staff members. Laboratory research assistants design and conduct experiments using biohazards and other dangerous materials to gain information and test scientific processes. They must write detailed reports of their research and experiments and then deliver these reports in written and verbal forms. Laboratory research assistants may also work in different settings such as medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Laboratory research assistants and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $36,537 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | New York University | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a laboratory research assistant and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between laboratory research assistants' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |