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The differences between associate principal scientists and staff 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 staff scientist. Additionally, an associate principal scientist has an average salary of $112,297, which is higher than the $93,941 average annual salary of a staff scientist.
The top three skills for an associate principal scientist include data analysis, chemistry and project management. The most important skills for a staff scientist are data analysis, research projects, and molecular biology.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $112,297 | $93,941 |
| Hourly rate | $53.99 | $45.16 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 82,048 | 121,054 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| 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.
The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.
Associate principal scientists and staff scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Principal Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Average salary | $112,297 | $93,941 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $160,000 | Between $63,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | Etsy |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between an associate principal scientist and a staff scientist in terms of educational background:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between associate principal scientists' and staff scientists' demographics:
| Associate Principal Scientist | Staff Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% | Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |