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Oncologist vs cancer researcher

The differences between oncologists and cancer researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an oncologist has an average salary of $298,009, which is higher than the $73,896 average annual salary of a cancer researcher.

The top three skills for an oncologist include patients, oncology and patient care. The most important skills for a cancer researcher are patients, clinical research, and clinical trials.

Oncologist vs cancer researcher overview

OncologistCancer Researcher
Yearly salary$298,009$73,896
Hourly rate$143.27$35.53
Growth rate7%17%
Number of jobs3,80124,199
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4841
Years of experience-4

What does an oncologist do?

Oncologists are doctors that are specialized in treating cancer and give medical care for a person diagnosed with the illness. They direct a patient's care during the progression of the disease, which begins with the diagnosis. Their roles include describing the cancer diagnosis and stage as well as discussing the treatment options and his/her or her desired alternative. Also, they provide compassionate and quality care. Additionally, they assist the patient control the symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer medication.

What does a cancer researcher do?

A cancer researcher is a medical scientist who devotes their time working at laboratories to study and discover ways to diagnose and treat cancer, saving countless people's lives in the process. Their duties usually include gathering and analyzing samples through basic or complex laboratory processes, studying existing cases from people of all ages, organizing specimens and instruments, coordinating with fellow experts, conducting experiments, and maintaining extensive records. Moreover, as a cancer researcher, it is essential to keep an open communication line with fellow researchers, collaborating efforts for a smooth workflow.

Oncologist vs cancer researcher salary

Oncologists and cancer researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.

OncologistCancer Researcher
Average salary$298,009$73,896
Salary rangeBetween $132,000 And $672,000Between $46,000 And $117,000
Highest paying CityFargo, NDSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyBillings ClinicAstraZeneca
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between oncologist and cancer researcher education

There are a few differences between an oncologist and a cancer researcher in terms of educational background:

OncologistCancer Researcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorNursingBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of Southern California

Oncologist vs cancer researcher demographics

Here are the differences between oncologists' and cancer researchers' demographics:

OncologistCancer Researcher
Average age4841
Gender ratioMale, 42.4% Female, 57.6%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.7% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage13%8%

Differences between oncologist and cancer researcher duties and responsibilities

Oncologist example responsibilities.

  • Develop skills in managing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.
  • Scan all patient data in to EMR
  • Operate EKG and other equipment to administer diagnostic tests.
  • Treat many skin, lung, breast and prostate cancers as well.
  • Operate electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Prepare chemotherapy medications in the infusion center.
  • Show more

Cancer researcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage mouse colonies (breeding, weaning and genotyping).
  • Create Linux shell scripts to automate common process which severely reduce manual work load and processing time for the entire lab.
  • Perform quantitative analysis of DNA, RNA, and the use of RT-PCR.
  • Perform clerical duties in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Inscribe and design genotyping protocols for new studies using rare Finnish DNA samples.
  • Bill workers compensation, no-fault, HMO, commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid.
  • Show more

Oncologist vs cancer researcher skills

Common oncologist skills
  • Patients, 32%
  • Oncology, 29%
  • Patient Care, 11%
  • Hematology Oncology, 10%
  • Surgery, 5%
  • Chemotherapy, 3%
Common cancer researcher skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Clinical Research, 9%
  • Clinical Trials, 8%
  • Data Collection, 6%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Informed Consent, 5%

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