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The differences between research investigators and research scientists 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 scientist. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, 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 research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Research Investigator | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.
Research investigators and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and research scientists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |