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Research scholar vs professor

The differences between research scholars and professors 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 professor. Additionally, a professor has an average salary of $157,570, 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 professor are philosophy, curriculum development, and mathematics.

Research scholar vs professor overview

Research ScholarProfessor
Yearly salary$58,047$157,570
Hourly rate$27.91$75.75
Growth rate17%12%
Number of jobs51,72121,861
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age3846
Years of experience22

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 professor do?

A professor is a teaching professional who provides instructions to students on various academic and vocational subjects in colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Professors design curriculums for courses and ensure that they meet college and department students. They continuously conduct research and experiments so that advanced knowledge in their field is completed. They share their research and works by publishing them in books and academic journals. They also provide assistance to graduating students.

Research scholar vs professor salary

Research scholars and professors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research ScholarProfessor
Average salary$58,047$157,570
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $88,000 And $280,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyGoogleOregon Health & Science University
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between research scholar and professor education

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

Research ScholarProfessor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorChemistryBusiness
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNorthwestern University

Research scholar vs professor demographics

Here are the differences between research scholars' and professors' demographics:

Research ScholarProfessor
Average age3846
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3%
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, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage8%16%

Differences between research scholar and professor 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.

Professor example responsibilities.

  • Used blackboard online to manage students tests, grade papers and assign materials.
  • Instruct students in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, college mathematics, and pharmacology math and dosage calculations.
  • Educate adult students in medical math, anatomy & physiology, business communications ,
  • Teach social science subjects including sociology, psychology and human services.
  • Mentore newly hire philosophy teachers on school culture as well as the program s academic requirements.
  • Prepare and deliver material to students on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious think.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs professor skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common professor skills
  • Philosophy, 10%
  • Curriculum Development, 9%
  • Mathematics, 6%
  • C++, 5%
  • Literature, 5%
  • Graduate Courses, 4%

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