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The differences between staff scientists 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 staff scientist, becoming a professional research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a staff scientist has an average salary of $93,941, which is higher than the $58,202 average annual salary of a professional research assistant.
The top three skills for a staff scientist include data analysis, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Staff Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $93,941 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $45.16 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 121,054 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.
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.
Staff scientists and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Staff Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $93,941 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $137,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Etsy | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a staff scientist and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Staff Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between staff scientists' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Staff Scientist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2% | 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, 53.6% 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% |