Forensic chemist vs research chemist

The differences between forensic 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 $56,597 average annual salary of a forensic chemist.

The top three skills for a forensic chemist include ms, GC and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.

Forensic chemist vs research chemist overview

	Forensic Chemist	Research Chemist
Yearly salary	$56,597	$75,843
Hourly rate	$27.21	$36.46
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	7,902	53,769
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 82%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	-	-

What does a forensic chemist do?

A forensic chemist analyzes non-biological trace evidence at crime scenes for the determination of unknown materials. Forensic chemists apply chemistry and its subfield forensic toxicology and employ the scientific method to investigate the presented evidence. The result of their analysis provides investigators and medical examiners the necessary information for logical conclusions on probable crimes. Patience and versatility are often cited as the important qualities forensic chemists need to acquire.

What does a research chemist do?

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.

Forensic chemist vs research chemist salary

Forensic chemists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forensic Chemist	Research Chemist
Average salary	$56,597	$75,843
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $80,000	Between $53,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City	-	McLean, VA
Highest paying state	-	Virginia
Best paying company	-	BP America Inc
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between forensic chemist and research chemist education

There are a few differences between a forensic chemist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:

	Forensic Chemist	Research Chemist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 82%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Chemistry	Chemistry
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Forensic chemist vs research chemist demographics

Here are the differences between forensic chemists' and research chemists' demographics:

	Forensic Chemist	Research Chemist
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 40.6% Female, 59.4%	Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.2% White, 59.7% 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%

Differences between forensic chemist and research chemist duties and responsibilities

Forensic chemist example responsibilities.

Achieve and maintain ISO 9001-2000 certification by creating and implementing policies and serving as management representative.
Input data results using a LIMS information system.
Analyze controlled substances by GC/MS and FTIR and arson residues by GC/FID.
Start to implement procedures for ISO 9000quality certification.
Update existing and develop new standard operating procedures to meet USP requirements for vitamin assays.
Perform quality testing in an FDA enforce environment for a variety of products while demonstrating good manufacturing practices.

Research chemist example responsibilities.

Manage the CDS and LIMS systems for the institute.
Manage and record experimental data with lab management software (LIMS).
Manage projects involving the development of GC/MS methods, particle collection systems, and Raman spectral database creation.
Characterize the particles using SEM, DSC, IR, and UV-Vis.
Identify sample structure using microscopy, crystallography, NMR, UV/VIS, GC and AAS.
Develop GC & FTIR instrumental methods of analysis to support quality of incoming raw materials to ensure quality of finish products.

Forensic chemist vs research chemist skills

Common forensic chemist skills

Ms, 12%
GC, 9%
Laboratory Equipment, 6%
FTIR, 6%
Gas Chromatography, 5%
Liquid Chromatography, 4%

Common research chemist skills

Laboratory Equipment, 10%
Method Development, 10%
R, 9%
HPLC, 5%
Analytical Chemistry, 5%
Polymer, 5%

Forensic Chemist vs. similar jobs

Forensic Chemist related careers

Forensic Chemist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Forensic Chemist
Forensic Chemist vs Research Chemist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs