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The differences between laboratory research assistants and professional research assistants 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 a professional research assistant. Additionally, a professional research assistant has an average salary of $58,202, 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 a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $36,537 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $17.57 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 87,343 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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.
A professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Laboratory research assistants and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $36,537 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | New York University | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory research assistant and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between laboratory research assistants' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |