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The differences between laboratory researchers and associate scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a laboratory researcher and an associate scientist. Additionally, an associate scientist has an average salary of $76,461, 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 associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Laboratory Researcher | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $27,760 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $13.35 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 57,359 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
Laboratory researchers and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Researcher | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $27,760 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $43,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | California |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Education | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a laboratory researcher and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Researcher | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between laboratory researchers' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Researcher | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |