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The differences between research investigators and assistant research scientists 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 investigator, becoming an assistant research scientist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $62,780 average annual salary of an assistant research scientist.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A research investigator is responsible for obtaining information for various purposes through research and in-depth investigation, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of data to solve cases. Research investigators develop a strategic approach to data gathering procedures, maintaining the integrity of outputs, and keeping the confidentiality of information. They also strictly adhere to the standard protocols and federal regulations, as well as performing high-level duties according to business requirements and client specifications, following the budget limitations and timetable.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Research investigators and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Mintz | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |