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The differences between laboratory scientists and staff 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 staff scientist. Additionally, a staff scientist has an average salary of $93,941, 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 staff scientist are data analysis, research projects, and molecular biology.
| Laboratory Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $93,941 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $45.16 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 121,054 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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 primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.
Laboratory scientists and staff scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $93,941 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $63,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Etsy |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a staff scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and staff scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2% |
| 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, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |