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The differences between cosmetic chemists and postdoctoral scholars can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cosmetic chemist has an average salary of $59,876, which is higher than the $57,587 average annual salary of a postdoctoral scholar.
The top three skills for a cosmetic chemist include R, GMP and QC. The most important skills for a postdoctoral scholar are chemistry, python, and patients.
| Cosmetic Chemist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Yearly salary | $59,876 | $57,587 |
| Hourly rate | $28.79 | $27.69 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 7,556 | 18,983 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A cosmetic chemist specializes in formulating and developing skincare and cosmetic products such as make-up, lotion, soap, and shampoo. They typically work at laboratories where they work on different chemicals and substances, conduct studies and experiments, perform extensive research and analysis, develop and implement tests and assessments, and maintain records of all procedures. Moreover, a cosmetic chemist must maintain an active communication line with staff while adhering to the safety protocols and standards of a laboratory, especially when handling different chemicals.
A Postdoctoral Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.
Cosmetic chemists and postdoctoral scholars have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetic Chemist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average salary | $59,876 | $57,587 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $83,000 | Between $41,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Skillman, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | BASF | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a cosmetic chemist and a postdoctoral scholar in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetic Chemist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between cosmetic chemists' and postdoctoral scholars' demographics:
| Cosmetic Chemist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.9% Female, 48.1% | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |