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The differences between laboratory researchers and research 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 a research scientist. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, 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 a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $27,760 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $13.35 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 57,359 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
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 researchers and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $27,760 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $43,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Brunswick, NJ | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | California |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory researcher and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory researchers' and research scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Researcher | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% 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% |