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The differences between research investigators and associate scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a research investigator and an associate scientist. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $76,461 average annual salary of an associate scientist.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for an associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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 Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
Research investigators and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |