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The differences between research investigators and 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 scientist. Additionally, a scientist has an average salary of $97,344, 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 scientist are chemistry, data analysis, and patients.
| Research Investigator | Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $97,344 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $46.80 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 62,467 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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 scientist is responsible for researching and analyzing the nature and complexities of the physical world to identify discoveries that would improve people's lives and ignite scientific knowledge for society. Scientists' duties differ in their different areas of expertise, but all of them must have a broad comprehension of scientific disciplines and methods to support their experiments and investigations. They collect the sample for their research, record findings, create research proposals, and release publications. A scientist must know how to utilize laboratory equipment to support the study and drive results efficiently and accurately.
Research investigators and scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Scientist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $97,344 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $67,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and scientists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |