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The differences between principal research scientists and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a principal research scientist, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a principal research scientist has an average salary of $127,191, which is higher than the $62,780 average annual salary of an assistant research scientist.
The top three skills for a principal research scientist include research projects, principal research and data analysis. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Principal Research Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $127,191 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $61.15 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 126,911 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Principal research scientists are responsible for designing and directing research laboratories, commencing new research activities, and searching for funding opportunities. Other duties include presenting proposals and attaining the terms of research grants and contracts, organizing, running, and reporting on original research, as well as constituting their research groups externally. These scientists usually propose, implement, and report a distinguished scientific program. The individuals appointed on this role may regularly serve as chief investigators on grants and contracts.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Principal research scientists and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Research Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $127,191 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $184,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | University of California | |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Education |
There are a few differences between a principal research scientist and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Principal Research Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between principal research scientists' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Principal Research Scientist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |