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The differences between associate principal scientists and principal scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an associate principal scientist and a principal scientist. Additionally, a principal scientist has an average salary of $119,982, which is higher than the $112,297 average annual salary of an associate principal scientist.
The top three skills for an associate principal scientist include data analysis, chemistry and project management. The most important skills for a principal scientist are oncology, data analysis, and drug discovery.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Principal Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $112,297 | $119,982 |
| Hourly rate | $53.99 | $57.68 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 82,048 | 80,899 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Associate Principal Scientists are responsible for directing the operations of scientific research.They work with cross-functional teams in elaborating technical specifications, and they provide training and mentorship to staff. An associate principal scientist maintains clients' and projects' confidentiality and learns proactively to keep abreast of technological advancements.Other duties may include resolving conflicts within and between departments, monitoring project timeline and performance, supervising laboratory work, and ensuring accurate scientific report documentation.
A Principal Scientist is focused on leading scientific teams and conducting research. They ensure that their teams have the resources to properly perform research tasks.
Associate principal scientists and principal scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Principal Scientist | |
| Average salary | $112,297 | $119,982 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $160,000 | Between $84,000 And $169,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | PayPal |
| Best paying industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between an associate principal scientist and a principal scientist in terms of educational background:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Principal Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between associate principal scientists' and principal scientists' demographics:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Principal Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 27.1% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |