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The differences between principal research scientists and laboratory analysts 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 a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a principal research scientist has an average salary of $127,191, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.
The top three skills for a principal research scientist include research projects, principal research and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.
| Principal Research Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $127,191 | $44,024 |
| Hourly rate | $61.15 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 126,911 | 44,074 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| 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.
A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.
Principal research scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Research Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average salary | $127,191 | $44,024 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $184,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | AbbVie | |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a principal research scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:
| Principal Research Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between principal research scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:
| Principal Research Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |