Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between research investigators and senior research associates 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 senior research associate takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research investigator has an average salary of $79,438, which is higher than the $72,618 average annual salary of a senior research associate.
The top three skills for a research investigator include patients, data analysis and molecular biology. The most important skills for a senior research associate are patients, data analysis, and CRISPR.
| Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $72,618 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $34.91 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 58,903 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| 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 Senior Research Associate works closely with research team members to implement research ideas. They diagnose, solve system/software problems, and install application software according to research needs.
Research investigators and senior research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $72,618 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $51,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mintz | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Government |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a senior research associate in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and senior research associates' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Senior Research Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 53.6% Female, 46.4% |
| 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, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 13.4% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |