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The differences between senior research investigators and principal investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a senior research investigator and a principal investigator. Additionally, a senior research investigator has an average salary of $90,336, which is higher than the $84,635 average annual salary of a principal investigator.
The top three skills for a senior research investigator include data analysis, drug discovery and chemistry. The most important skills for a principal investigator are patients, data collection, and project management.
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Yearly salary | $90,336 | $84,635 |
| Hourly rate | $43.43 | $40.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 62,248 | 44,475 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Average age | 41 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 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.
A Principal Investigator is the primary person who is responsible for designing, conducting, and reporting a research project. They report to a designated official such as the department head or division chief.
Senior research investigators and principal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Average salary | $90,336 | $84,635 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $139,000 | Between $59,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Crunchbase | Incyte |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior research investigator and a principal investigator in terms of educational background:
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Psychology |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between senior research investigators' and principal investigators' demographics:
| Senior Research Investigator | Principal Investigator | |
| Average age | 41 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 52.2% Female, 47.8% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 4.3% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 16% |