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The differences between laboratory scientists 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 scientist, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a laboratory scientist has an average salary of $66,249, which is higher than the $62,780 average annual salary of an assistant research scientist.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Laboratory Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A laboratory scientist specializes in conducting research and experiments for a company or an academic institution. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around gathering and labeling samples, documenting data and progress, reviewing results, and even maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory and its apparatus. There are also instances when they have to collaborate with other scientists, report progress, and even contribute them to different publications. Furthermore, a laboratory scientist may supervise less experienced colleagues, all while implementing the safety policies and regulations of the laboratory to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Laboratory scientists and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Education |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.1% 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% |