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Research scholar vs researcher

The differences between research scholars and researchers 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 researcher takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a researcher has an average salary of $67,145, 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 researcher are python, lab equipment, and C++.

Research scholar vs researcher overview

Research ScholarResearcher
Yearly salary$58,047$67,145
Hourly rate$27.91$32.28
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs51,72130,498
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3841
Years of experience24

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 researcher do?

A researcher is responsible for collating, organizing, and verifying necessary information for a specific subject. Researchers' duties include analyzing data, gathering and comparing resources, ensuring facts, sharing findings with the whole research team, adhering to required methodologies, performing fieldwork as needed, and keeping critical information confidential. Researchers must be knowledgeable about the current market trends and align findings with the research goals. A researcher must show strong communication skills, as well as strong attention to detail and time-management skills to meet deadlines under minimal supervision.

Research scholar vs researcher salary

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

Research ScholarResearcher
Average salary$58,047$67,145
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $92,000Between $37,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANewark, NJ
Highest paying stateNew JerseyConnecticut
Best paying companyGoogleRenaissance Learning
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between research scholar and researcher education

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

Research ScholarResearcher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityUniversity of Southern California

Research scholar vs researcher demographics

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

Research ScholarResearcher
Average age3841
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 50.9% Female, 49.1%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between research scholar and researcher 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.

Researcher example responsibilities.

  • Manage social media publications to spread awareness and notifications on Facebook.
  • Perform cellular assays, DNA extractions, PCR, and sequencing to identify cellulase- producing soil bacteria.
  • Implement data visualization tools by Java.
  • Present research findings to select professors and professionals at scholar conferences.
  • Master techniques in biomedical science research methods.
  • Collaborate with doctorates in the field of immunology.
  • Show more

Research scholar vs researcher skills

Common research scholar skills
  • Analyze Data, 7%
  • C++, 7%
  • Original Research, 6%
  • PCR, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 5%
  • Data Analysis, 5%
Common researcher skills
  • Python, 12%
  • Lab Equipment, 9%
  • C++, 8%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Data Collection, 4%
  • R, 4%

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