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The differences between research investigators and research 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 $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Research Investigator | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
Research investigators and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Mintz | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Energy |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and research chemists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |