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The differences between senior research investigators and graduate research students can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $34,658 average annual salary of a graduate research student.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for a graduate research student are lab equipment, laboratory equipment, and python.
| Senior Research Investigator | Graduate Research Student | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $34,658 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $16.66 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 58,921 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A Senior Research Investigator specializes in conducting extensive research and analysis to develop conclusions and recommendations. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place or employment industry, it usually includes adhering to guidelines and timelines, narrowing down leads to gather and analyze data, consulting with experts, and maintaining records of all procedures. As a Senior Research Investigator, it is essential to lead and serve as a role model to less experienced investigators in the joint effort to reach project goals, all while implementing the facility's standards and regulations.
Graduate research students are learners who conduct degree program-related research in a research unit or an academic department. These students manage themselves independently as well as their work. They make certain that they have familiarized the requirements of the university. Educators and other scholars expect them to develop enough research and skills. Their responsibilities include academic honesty, participation in supervisory meetings, and maintenance of effective supervisor communication. In terms of their research, they should have a research plan ahead.
Senior research investigators and graduate research students have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $34,658 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $19,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | Capgemini |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a graduate research student in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Graduate Research Student | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and graduate research students' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Graduate Research Student | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 24.9% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |