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The differences between laboratory research assistants and research scientists 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 research scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, 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 research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $36,537 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $17.57 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 87,343 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.
Laboratory research assistants and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $36,537 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | New York University | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory research assistant and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory research assistants' and research scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Research Assistant | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |