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The differences between research analysts and research specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a research analyst and a research specialist. Additionally, a research analyst has an average salary of $70,232, which is higher than the $52,662 average annual salary of a research specialist.
The top three skills for a research analyst include data analysis, data collection and research projects. The most important skills for a research specialist are data collection, patients, and research projects.
| Research Analyst | Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $70,232 | $52,662 |
| Hourly rate | $33.77 | $25.32 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 81,374 | 79,341 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.5 | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A research analyst is responsible for providing a company with insights and advice concerning finance, investments, and expenditures. Utilizing their analytical skills and extensive expertise in marketing, they analyze the trends and significant factors to conclude which decision should be the best to make. They can also take part in conducting an in-depth analysis of a business and examine which areas require improvement or has potential. Furthermore, they may work with a company or independently as a freelance analyst.
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.
Research analysts and research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Analyst | Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $70,232 | $52,662 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $107,000 | Between $35,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Novartis |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research analyst and a research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Research Analyst | Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between research analysts' and research specialists' demographics:
| Research Analyst | Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.8% Female, 49.2% | Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 10% | 10% |