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The differences between laboratory researchers and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a laboratory researcher, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an assistant research scientist has an average salary of $62,780, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a laboratory researcher include lab procedures, cell culture and molecular biology. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Laboratory Researcher | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $27,760 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $13.35 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 57,359 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Laboratory researchers and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Researcher | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $27,760 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $43,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a laboratory researcher and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Researcher | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between laboratory researchers' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Researcher | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |