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The differences between physical scientists and research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, which is higher than the $86,538 average annual salary of a physical scientist.
The top three skills for a physical scientist include chemistry, environmental compliance and DOD. The most important skills for a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Physical Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $86,538 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $41.60 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 96,588 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A physical scientist is responsible for investigating scientific problems by conducting laboratory examinations by collecting information, analyzing existing research studies, and formulating theories. Physical scientists follow scientific methods and processes strictly depending on their expertise and may perform field investigations to support their claims as necessary. They also operate different laboratory tools and equipment, requiring them to inspect and sterilize each before and after use to avoid contamination that can affect the accuracy of laboratory results.
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.
Physical scientists and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Physical Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $86,538 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $138,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Lyft | |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a physical scientist and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Physical Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Geology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Duke University |
Here are the differences between physical scientists' and research scientists' demographics:
| Physical Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.3% Female, 31.7% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 27.9% White, 54.4% 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% |