Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between research investigators and research assistant professors 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 a research assistant professor takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $73,455 average annual salary of a research assistant professor.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a research assistant professor are research projects, biomedical, and research program.
| Research Investigator | Research Assistant Professor | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $73,455 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $35.31 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 62,395 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Doctoral Degree, 44% |
| 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.
A research assistant professor works part-time at colleges or universities where they focus on conducting research and extensive studies. They typically work under the supervision and directives of a professor and perform support tasks such as gathering and analyzing samples through different scientific procedures, completing interviews and surveys, performing experiments and assessments, maintaining records, and handling calls and other forms of correspondence. Additionally, a research assistant professor may also teach undergraduates and participate in preparing activities and curriculum materials.
Research investigators and research assistant professors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Research Assistant Professor | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $73,455 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $52,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Stanford University |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a research assistant professor in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Research Assistant Professor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Doctoral Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and research assistant professors' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Research Assistant Professor | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1% |
| 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, 15.1% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |