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The differences between student research assistants and research specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a student research assistant, becoming a research specialist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a research specialist has an average salary of $52,662, which is higher than the $27,475 average annual salary of a student research assistant.
The top three skills for a student research assistant include lab equipment, student research and data collection. The most important skills for a research specialist are data collection, patients, and research projects.
| Student Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $27,475 | $52,662 |
| Hourly rate | $13.21 | $25.32 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 59,758 | 79,341 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 38 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A student research assistant is responsible for supporting the school's research department on conducting various research tasks using the techniques and resources provided by the supervising faculty. Student research assistants collect and verify research data, interpret and document findings using research methodologies, organize and prepare research materials, write research reports, and provide recommendations to improve research strategies and techniques. A student research assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and be a fast-learner to interpret data within a specific time.
In a laboratory setting, a research specialist's responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting thorough research and analysis, producing extensive detailed reports, reviewing results, and coordinating with senior researchers and other laboratory personnel to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, a research specialist may contribute their expertise to other publications and articles, train or supervise new researchers, and implement all laboratory guidelines and safety regulations at all times.
Student research assistants and research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Student Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $27,475 | $52,662 |
| Salary range | Between $19,000 And $37,000 | Between $35,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairbanks, AK | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Novartis | |
| Best paying industry | Education | Technology |
There are a few differences between a student research assistant and a research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Student Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between student research assistants' and research specialists' demographics:
| Student Research Assistant | Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.1% Female, 55.9% | Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |