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The differences between research associates, policy and policy analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a research associate, policy, becoming a policy analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research associate, policy has an average salary of $69,079, which is higher than the $66,359 average annual salary of a policy analyst.
The top three skills for a research associate, policy include public policy, policy research and research projects. The most important skills for a policy analyst are public policy, policy analysis, and policy issues.
| Research Associate, Policy | Policy Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $69,079 | $66,359 |
| Hourly rate | $33.21 | $31.90 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 49,112 | 69,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A research associate monitors the progress of research projects and coordinates information between departmental sections. They perform a wide and complex variety of assays, tests, and studies, as well as performing highly specialized and advanced experiments. Their duties and responsibilities also include preparing material for submission to departments or organizations, replying to research emails, and requesting necessary equipment.
Policy analysts are responsible for developing government policies and providing advice and briefing to senior management. These professionals work to influence both social and political decisions. They typically work in four key areas, including collecting information, analyzing policies, providing recommendations, and sharing information with government officials and the public. Additionally, they are also expected to consult with stakeholders to provide quantitative evidence supporting their policy. The rest of their time is spent on writing, reading, and analyzing information.
Research associates, policy and policy analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Associate, Policy | Policy Analyst | |
| Average salary | $69,079 | $66,359 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $102,000 | Between $47,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Olympia, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | RAND | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a research associate, policy and a policy analyst in terms of educational background:
| Research Associate, Policy | Policy Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Political Science | Political Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between research associates, policy' and policy analysts' demographics:
| Research Associate, Policy | Policy Analyst | |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% | Male, 46.1% Female, 53.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 12.1% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 12% |