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The differences between research scholars and postdoctoral scholars 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 scholar takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scholar has an average salary of $58,047, which is higher than the $57,587 average annual salary of a postdoctoral scholar.
The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for a postdoctoral scholar are chemistry, python, and patients.
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Yearly salary | $58,047 | $57,587 |
| Hourly rate | $27.91 | $27.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 51,721 | 18,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.
Research scholars and postdoctoral scholars have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average salary | $58,047 | $57,587 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $92,000 | Between $41,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research scholar and a postdoctoral scholar in terms of educational background:
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research scholars' and postdoctoral scholars' demographics:
| Research Scholar | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average age | 38 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |