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The differences between associate chemists and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an associate chemist has an average salary of $61,544, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for an associate chemist include lab equipment, HPLC and method development. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Associate Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $61,544 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $29.59 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 7,387 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
An Associate Chemist performs and analyzes chemical tests and procedures. They maintain the stock of drugs and ensure that they are stored in a secure place.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Associate chemists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $61,544 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $97,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Worcester, MA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Alere | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an associate chemist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Associate Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between associate chemists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Associate Chemist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 54.9% Female, 45.1% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 9% |