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The differences between senior research fellows and professional research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a senior research fellow, becoming a professional research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior research fellow has an average salary of $62,129, which is higher than the $58,202 average annual salary of a professional research assistant.
The top three skills for a senior research fellow include python, research projects and data analysis. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Senior Research Fellow | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $62,129 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $29.87 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 53,535 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Senior Research Fellows are reputable researchers employed in an academic institution or a research facility. The nature of their employment in the institution is related to their research work or field of interest. Senior Research Fellows lead a team of researchers on big projects that require more team members. They manage the team's budget, set timelines, and guide the researchers. They spearhead the analysis of the data gathered. They also set the tone for the presentation materials. Senior Research Fellows should be passionate about their field, should have a thirst for knowledge, and should be able to lead teams.
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.
Senior research fellows and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Fellow | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $62,129 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $95,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Siemens | |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a senior research fellow and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Fellow | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between senior research fellows' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Senior Research Fellow | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.1% Female, 43.9% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |