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The differences between professional research assistants and research specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a professional research assistant, becoming a research specialist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a professional research assistant has an average salary of $58,202, which is higher than the $52,662 average annual salary of a research specialist.
The top three skills for a professional research assistant include research projects, data collection and patients. The most important skills for a research specialist are data collection, patients, and research projects.
| Professional Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $58,202 | $52,662 |
| Hourly rate | $27.98 | $25.32 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 91,813 | 79,341 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 38 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
In a laboratory setting, a research specialist's responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting thorough research and analysis, producing extensive detailed reports, reviewing results, and coordinating with senior researchers and other laboratory personnel to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, a research specialist may contribute their expertise to other publications and articles, train or supervise new researchers, and implement all laboratory guidelines and safety regulations at all times.
Professional research assistants and research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Professional Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $58,202 | $52,662 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $88,000 | Between $35,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | Siemens | Novartis |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a professional research assistant and a research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Professional Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between professional research assistants' and research specialists' demographics:
| Professional Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% | Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |