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The differences between principal research scientists and professors 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 professor takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a professor has an average salary of $157,570, which is higher than the $127,191 average annual salary of a principal research scientist.
The top three skills for a principal research scientist include research projects, principal research and data analysis. The most important skills for a professor are philosophy, curriculum development, and mathematics.
| Principal Research Scientist | Professor | |
| Yearly salary | $127,191 | $157,570 |
| Hourly rate | $61.15 | $75.75 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 126,911 | 21,861 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 41 | 46 |
| 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 professor is a teaching professional who provides instructions to students on various academic and vocational subjects in colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Professors design curriculums for courses and ensure that they meet college and department students. They continuously conduct research and experiments so that advanced knowledge in their field is completed. They share their research and works by publishing them in books and academic journals. They also provide assistance to graduating students.
Principal research scientists and professors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Research Scientist | Professor | |
| Average salary | $127,191 | $157,570 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $184,000 | Between $88,000 And $280,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Oregon Health & Science University | |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Education |
There are a few differences between a principal research scientist and a professor in terms of educational background:
| Principal Research Scientist | Professor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between principal research scientists' and professors' demographics:
| Principal Research Scientist | Professor | |
| Average age | 41 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% |
| 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, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 16% |