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Industrial chemist vs research chemist

The differences between industrial chemists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an industrial chemist has an average salary of $78,632, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.

The top three skills for an industrial chemist include titration, HPLC and R. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.

Industrial chemist vs research chemist overview

Industrial ChemistResearch Chemist
Yearly salary$78,632$75,843
Hourly rate$37.80$36.46
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs11,20953,769
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

Industrial chemist vs research chemist salary

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

Industrial ChemistResearch Chemist
Average salary$78,632$75,843
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $117,000Between $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 industrial chemist and research chemist education

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

Industrial ChemistResearch Chemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorChemistryChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Industrial chemist vs research chemist demographics

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

Industrial ChemistResearch Chemist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 66.2% Female, 33.8%Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage5%5%

Differences between industrial chemist and research chemist duties and responsibilities

Industrial chemist example responsibilities.

  • Write procedure deviations forms to justify valid results or outliers to accomplish GLP regulations.
  • Analyze industrial hygiene samples with HPLC and GC.
  • Perform HPLC analysis on air quality filter and badges.
  • Maintain various logbooks and records pertaining to GC, LC, and gravimetric instruments.
  • Perform soxhlet extractions and GC analyses of compound treat rodent feed used in toxicity studies.
  • Take initiative to be cross-train in chemistry methods used by the company to perform additional tests that ensure uninterrupt laboratory operation.
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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.
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Industrial chemist vs research chemist skills

Common industrial chemist skills
  • Titration, 14%
  • HPLC, 13%
  • R, 12%
  • GMP, 10%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 8%
  • Analytical Support, 6%
Common research chemist skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Method Development, 10%
  • R, 9%
  • HPLC, 5%
  • Analytical Chemistry, 5%
  • Polymer, 5%

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