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The differences between laboratory research assistants and laboratory researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a laboratory research assistant, becoming a laboratory researcher takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a laboratory research assistant has an average salary of $36,537, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a laboratory research assistant include data collection, patients and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for a laboratory researcher are lab procedures, cell culture, and molecular biology.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $36,537 | $27,760 |
| Hourly rate | $17.57 | $13.35 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 87,343 | 57,359 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
Laboratory research assistants and laboratory researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average salary | $36,537 | $27,760 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $17,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Maine |
| Best paying company | New York University | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a laboratory research assistant and a laboratory researcher in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory research assistants' and laboratory researchers' demographics:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |