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The differences between laboratory scientists and laboratory researchers 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 scientist and a laboratory researcher. Additionally, a laboratory scientist has an average salary of $66,249, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a laboratory researcher are lab procedures, cell culture, and molecular biology.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $27,760 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $13.35 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 57,359 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Laboratory scientists and laboratory researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $27,760 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $17,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Maine |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Education |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a laboratory researcher in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and laboratory researchers' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |