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The differences between research scholars and postdoctoral associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a research scholar, becoming a postdoctoral associate takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scholar has an average salary of $58,047, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $58,047 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $27.91 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 51,721 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Research scholars and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $58,047 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $92,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Maine |
| Best paying company | Argonne National Laboratory | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Education |
There are a few differences between a research scholar and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research scholars' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |