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The differences between laboratory scientists 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 scientist and a research scientist. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, which is higher than the $66,249 average annual salary of a laboratory scientist.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Laboratory Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
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 scientists and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and research scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% 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% |