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The differences between research investigators and laboratory researchers 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 a laboratory researcher. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $27,760 average annual salary of a laboratory researcher.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a laboratory researcher are lab procedures, cell culture, and molecular biology.
| Research Investigator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $27,760 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $13.35 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 57,359 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| 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.
Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.
Research investigators and laboratory researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $27,760 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $17,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Maine |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a laboratory researcher in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and laboratory researchers' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Laboratory Researcher | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% |
| 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, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |