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The differences between associate chemists and senior chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior chemist has an average salary of $91,008, which is higher than the $61,544 average annual salary of an associate chemist.
The top three skills for an associate chemist include lab equipment, HPLC and method development. The most important skills for a senior chemist are method development, laboratory equipment, and HPLC.
| Associate Chemist | Senior Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $61,544 | $91,008 |
| Hourly rate | $29.59 | $43.75 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 7,387 | 12,823 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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.
Senior Chemists are responsible for designing, developing, and testing formulations and compounds. They also maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and relevant documentation.
Associate chemists and senior chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Chemist | Senior Chemist | |
| Average salary | $61,544 | $91,008 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $97,000 | Between $67,000 And $123,000 |
| Highest paying City | Worcester, MA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Alere | |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an associate chemist and a senior chemist in terms of educational background:
| Associate Chemist | Senior Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between associate chemists' and senior chemists' demographics:
| Associate Chemist | Senior Chemist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 54.9% Female, 45.1% | Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 22.3% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |