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Chemist lead vs laboratory chemist

The differences between chemist leads and laboratory chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a chemist lead has an average salary of $83,663, which is higher than the $62,702 average annual salary of a laboratory chemist.

The top three skills for a chemist lead include laboratory instruments, analytical methods and R. The most important skills for a laboratory chemist are lab equipment, chromatography, and analytical methods.

Chemist lead vs laboratory chemist overview

Chemist LeadLaboratory Chemist
Yearly salary$83,663$62,702
Hourly rate$40.22$30.15
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs3,86041,322
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a chemist lead do?

A Chemist Lead is responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and experiments. They generally work in laboratories.

What does a laboratory chemist do?

Laboratory Chemists are licensed scientists who work with chemicals. They are usually found in academic institutions or research facilities. Laboratory Chemists create experiments based on the needs of the institution or company. They mix different chemicals to make the desired results. They would also analyze compounds borne out of the different mixtures and record their observations. They tabulate the results and present these to the body. Laboratory Chemists should have good organization skills. They should be able to document their experiments properly. This would help the company and future researchers.

Chemist lead vs laboratory chemist salary

Chemist leads and laboratory chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chemist LeadLaboratory Chemist
Average salary$83,663$62,702
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $117,000Between $45,000 And $86,000
Highest paying CityPleasanton, CANutley, NJ
Highest paying stateDelawareVirginia
Best paying companyMomentiveBASF
Best paying industryHealth CareManufacturing

Differences between chemist lead and laboratory chemist education

There are a few differences between a chemist lead and a laboratory chemist in terms of educational background:

Chemist LeadLaboratory Chemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Chemist lead vs laboratory chemist demographics

Here are the differences between chemist leads' and laboratory chemists' demographics:

Chemist LeadLaboratory Chemist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 65.2% Female, 34.8%Male, 63.9% Female, 36.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.2% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 18.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between chemist lead and laboratory chemist duties and responsibilities

Chemist lead example responsibilities.

  • Manage an analytical laboratory, which include SEM-EDS, GC-MS, GPC, FT-IR, ICP-MS, TGA and DSC equipment.
  • Ensure FDA and ISO certification due to attention to detail.
  • Prepare testing protocols for raw materials, finish products, and APIs utilizing classical wet chemistry and HPLC techniques.
  • Use LIMS system to input data.
  • Learned how to troubleshoot/maintain ICP-MS instruments.
  • Evaluate and propose changes to existing USP test methodologies.
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Laboratory chemist example responsibilities.

  • Test developmental compounds to ASTM standards and manage certification submissions.
  • Perform testing on BioGlue components, titration - uv-vis - gel electrophoresis, and FTIR examination of incoming raw materials.
  • Develop and execute HPLC, UV and dissolution test methods for non-routine raw materials and finish products.
  • Conduct raw material analyses, perform tests using FTIR and GC instrumentation, develop policies and procedures, conduct trouble shooting.
  • Include GPC, GC-MS, FTIR, NMR and others
  • Participate in all kind of audit like ISO 17025, ISO 18001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
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Chemist lead vs laboratory chemist skills

Common chemist lead skills
  • Laboratory Instruments, 13%
  • Analytical Methods, 7%
  • R, 6%
  • Method Development, 5%
  • Lab Equipment, 5%
  • HPLC, 4%
Common laboratory chemist skills
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • Chromatography, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 4%
  • Wet Chemistry, 4%

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