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The differences between research investigators and staff 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 staff scientist. Additionally, a staff scientist has an average salary of $93,941, 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 staff scientist are data analysis, research projects, and molecular biology.
| Research Investigator | Staff Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $79,438 | $93,941 |
| Hourly rate | $38.19 | $45.16 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 55,837 | 121,054 |
| 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.
The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.
Research investigators and staff scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Investigator | Staff Scientist | |
| Average salary | $79,438 | $93,941 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $118,000 | Between $63,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Mintz | Etsy |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research investigator and a staff scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Investigator | Staff Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research investigators' and staff scientists' demographics:
| Research Investigator | Staff Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.6% Female, 47.4% | Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2% |
| 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, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |