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The differences between market research associates and research specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a market research associate and a research specialist. Additionally, a market research associate has an average salary of $99,880, which is higher than the $52,662 average annual salary of a research specialist.
The top three skills for a market research associate include powerpoint, financial models and macro. The most important skills for a research specialist are data collection, patients, and research projects.
| Market Research Associate | Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $99,880 | $52,662 |
| Hourly rate | $48.02 | $25.32 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 55,558 | 79,341 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A market research associate is responsible for conducting data and statistical analysis within the current market trends to identify business opportunities that would generate more revenue resources and increase the company's profitability. Market research associates analyze research methods, perform consumer surveys, and plan interviews. They also assist the marketing team in developing promotional materials and campaigns, monitor social media content, and manage press releases. A market research associate must have excellent organizational and communication skills, especially in interacting with correspondents and meeting timelines.
In a laboratory setting, a research specialist's responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting thorough research and analysis, producing extensive detailed reports, reviewing results, and coordinating with senior researchers and other laboratory personnel to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, a research specialist may contribute their expertise to other publications and articles, train or supervise new researchers, and implement all laboratory guidelines and safety regulations at all times.
Market research associates and research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Market Research Associate | Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $99,880 | $52,662 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $151,000 | Between $35,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hoboken, NJ | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Shearman & Sterling | Novartis |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a market research associate and a research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Market Research Associate | Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between market research associates' and research specialists' demographics:
| Market Research Associate | Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.9% Female, 42.1% | Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |