Research scholar vs research volunteer

The differences between research scholars and research volunteers 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 research volunteer. Additionally, a research scholar has an average salary of $58,047, which is higher than the $54,668 average annual salary of a research volunteer.

The top three skills for a research scholar include analyze data, C++ and original research. The most important skills for a research volunteer are lab procedures, cell culture, and laboratory techniques.

Research scholar vs research volunteer overview

	Research Scholar	Research Volunteer
Yearly salary	$58,047	$54,668
Hourly rate	$27.91	$26.28
Growth rate	17%	19%
Number of jobs	51,721	50,334
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Research scholar vs research volunteer salary

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

	Research Scholar	Research Volunteer
Average salary	$58,047	$54,668
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $92,000	Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	New Jersey	-
Best paying company	Google	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between research scholar and research volunteer education

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

	Research Scholar	Research Volunteer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Chemistry	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Harvard University

Research scholar vs research volunteer demographics

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

	Research Scholar	Research Volunteer
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2%	Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%
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, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 16.9% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between research scholar and research volunteer 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.

Research volunteer example responsibilities.

Evaluate patients' study eligibility via medical history, obtain informed consent, enroll patients, and achieve enrollment quotas.
Assist in monitoring MRI scans.
Assist in cloning and expression for RNA research.
Analyze cell lysates and purify proteins by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.
Design a PowerPoint presentation to teach senior adults about email accounts.
Assist with laboratory experiments, collect data and DNA samples, contribute to lab protocols.

Research scholar vs research volunteer skills

Common research scholar skills

Analyze Data, 7%
C++, 7%
Original Research, 6%
PCR, 6%
Molecular Biology, 5%
Data Analysis, 5%

Common research volunteer skills

Lab Procedures, 11%
Cell Culture, 8%
Laboratory Techniques, 7%
Data Collection, 6%
R, 4%
RT-PCR, 4%

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Research Scholar
Research Scholar vs Research Volunteer

Updated January 8, 2025

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