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The differences between research investigators and principal investigators 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 principal investigator. Additionally, a principal investigator has an average salary of $84,635, which is higher than the $79,438 average annual salary of a research investigator.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a principal investigator are patients, data collection, and project management.
| Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $84,635 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $40.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 44,475 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 41 | 47 |
| 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.
A Principal Investigator is the primary person who is responsible for designing, conducting, and reporting a research project. They report to a designated official such as the department head or division chief.
Research investigators and principal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $84,635 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $59,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Incyte |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a principal investigator in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Psychology |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and principal investigators' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Average age | 41 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 52.2% Female, 47.8% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 4.3% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 16% |