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The differences between research investigators and research fellows 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 research fellow. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $53,823 average annual salary of a research fellow.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a research fellow are patients, research projects, and data analysis.
| Research Investigator | Research Fellow | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $53,823 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $25.88 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 59,746 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| 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.
A research fellow is an academic researcher who conducts research and analysis of comprehensive literature, data, and results and provides literature reviews. He/She supervises research assistants and recruits study participants to interview them for a particular study. To become a research fellow, a candidate should have a doctorate in a relevant discipline and publish peer-reviewed papers. Also, a research fellow can be an independent investigator or be supervised by a principal investigator.
Research investigators and research fellows have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Research Fellow | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $53,823 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $39,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Mintz | McKinsey & Company Inc |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a research fellow in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Research Fellow | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and research fellows' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Research Fellow | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 55.3% Female, 44.7% |
| 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, 27.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |