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The differences between research and development 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 research and development scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research and development scientist has an average salary of $90,278, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.
The top three skills for a research and development scientist include R, patients and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.
| Research And Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $90,278 | $44,024 |
| Hourly rate | $43.40 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 129,803 | 44,074 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A research and development scientist specializes in conducting scientific studies and experiments to develop new products and technologies. They usually work at laboratories where they are in charge of conducting research and assessments, coming up with new ideas, performing tests, streamlining product requirements and guidelines, collaborating with fellow experts, utilizing previous studies and advanced software, and maintaining records of all procedures. Additionally, as a research and development scientist, it is essential to conduct reviews and assessments to ensure products adhere to safety standards and regulations.
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.
Research and development scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research And Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average salary | $90,278 | $44,024 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $125,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Tennessee | New York |
| Best paying company | Apple | AbbVie |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a research and development scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:
| Research And Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between research and development scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:
| Research And Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.4% Female, 35.6% | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% 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% |