Post job

Research scholar vs graduate research student

The differences between research scholars and graduate research students can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research scholar has an average salary of $58,047, which is higher than the $34,658 average annual salary of a graduate research student.

The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for a graduate research student are lab equipment, laboratory equipment, and python.

Research scholar vs graduate research student overview

Research ScholarGraduate Research Student
Yearly salary$58,047$34,658
Hourly rate$27.91$16.66
Growth rate17%19%
Number of jobs51,72158,921
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3844
Years of experience2-

What does a research scholar do?

Research scholars are college students who perform on projects in a particular field for a university or organization. Generally, they work with professors and other professionals in the field of study and focus on discovering new information that can be produced in trade or academic journals. Also, they pursue intellectual and academic activities as well as may engaged in educating other researchers. They are usually paid a stipend for a set duration of time, and some may work outside the university.

What does a graduate research student do?

Graduate research students are learners who conduct degree program-related research in a research unit or an academic department. These students manage themselves independently as well as their work. They make certain that they have familiarized the requirements of the university. Educators and other scholars expect them to develop enough research and skills. Their responsibilities include academic honesty, participation in supervisory meetings, and maintenance of effective supervisor communication. In terms of their research, they should have a research plan ahead.

Research scholar vs graduate research student salary

Research scholars and graduate research students have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research ScholarGraduate Research Student
Average salary$58,047$34,658
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $19,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyPennsylvania
Best paying companyGoogleCapgemini
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between research scholar and graduate research student education

There are a few differences between a research scholar and a graduate research student in terms of educational background:

Research ScholarGraduate Research Student
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityStanford University

Research scholar vs graduate research student demographics

Here are the differences between research scholars' and graduate research students' demographics:

Research ScholarGraduate Research Student
Average age3844
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between research scholar and graduate research student duties and responsibilities

Research scholar example responsibilities.

  • Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
  • Map DNA markers in the rice genome.
  • Develop a sensitive assay for evaluating replication stress and DNA damage with imaging cytometry.
  • Study the moisture absorption micro-mechanisms in glass-fiber/polymer composite materials using simulation and experimental methodologies (NSF research grant).
  • Design and implement numerical simulations of tsunami run-up in Fortran.
  • Prepare calibrators and reagents and investigate quantitative measurement of biochemicals by using HPLC and UV.

Graduate research student example responsibilities.

  • Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
  • Conduct molecular and cellular biology research techniques including DNA, RNA and protein isolation and analysis
  • Assist in organic chemistry laboratory on synthesis of molecule that behaves as fluorescent switch with cation binding properties
  • Perform Parkinson's psychological test on undergraduate students at UCLA and analyze data using statistical analysis software SPSS.
  • Analyze data using SAS statistical software, and map populations using GIS.
  • Summarize statistics from SAS outputs for USDA research grant investigating WIC and food insecurity.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs graduate research student skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common graduate research student skills
  • Lab Equipment, 11%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 6%
  • Python, 6%
  • C++, 5%
  • Chemistry, 5%
  • Cell Culture, 5%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs