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The differences between chemistry technologists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research chemist has an average salary of $75,843, which is higher than the $46,569 average annual salary of a chemistry technologist.
The top three skills for a chemistry technologist include lab equipment, chromatography and analytical chemistry. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Chemistry Technologist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $46,569 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $22.39 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 53,332 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A chemistry technologist is responsible for evaluating chemical components and processes by performing laboratory tests and investigations to support scientific studies and claims. Chemistry technologists develop chemical solutions to create and improve existing features of commercial products and enhance the quality standards. They utilize various laboratory tools and equipment and ensure stability and efficiency to avoid potential hazards and generate accurate results. A chemistry technologist must have excellent scientific and critical-thinking skills to identify opportunities for chemical purposes and production processes.
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.
Chemistry technologists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemistry Technologist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $46,569 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $65,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | New Haven, CT | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Tri-City Medical Center | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Energy |
There are a few differences between a chemistry technologist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Chemistry Technologist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between chemistry technologists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Chemistry Technologist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 5% |