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The differences between cosmetic chemists 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 $59,876 average annual salary of a cosmetic chemist.
The top three skills for a cosmetic chemist include R, GMP and QC. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Cosmetic Chemist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $59,876 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $28.79 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 7,556 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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 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.
Cosmetic chemists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetic Chemist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $59,876 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $83,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Skillman, NJ | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Virginia |
| Best paying company | BASF | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a cosmetic chemist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetic Chemist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between cosmetic chemists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Cosmetic Chemist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.9% Female, 48.1% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| 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, 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 | 5% | 5% |