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The differences between associate principal scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an associate principal scientist has an average salary of $112,297, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.
The top three skills for an associate principal scientist include data analysis, chemistry and project management. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $112,297 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $53.99 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 82,048 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 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 research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
Associate principal scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $112,297 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $160,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | California | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Government | Energy |
There are a few differences between an associate principal scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between associate principal scientists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |