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The differences between research investigators and chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $64,961 average annual salary of a chemist.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a chemist are chemistry, lab equipment, and test results.
| Research Investigator | Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $64,961 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $31.23 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 20,221 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 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.
Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.
Research investigators and chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Chemist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $64,961 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $46,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a chemist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and chemists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 59.6% Female, 40.4% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.2% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |