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The differences between research scholars and professional research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a research scholar and a professional research assistant. Additionally, a professional research assistant has an average salary of $58,202, which is higher than the $58,047 average annual salary of a research scholar.
The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Research Scholar | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $58,047 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $27.91 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 51,721 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Research scholars and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Scholar | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $58,047 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $92,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Siemens | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a research scholar and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Research Scholar | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research scholars' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Research Scholar | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |