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The differences between junior scientists 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 $63,169 average annual salary of a junior scientist.
The top three skills for a junior scientist include lab equipment, literature and data analysis. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Junior Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $63,169 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $30.37 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 56,283 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A junior scientist is in charge of conducting research and scientific studies while under the supervision of a more experienced scientist. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering and preparing samples, performing experiments and analysis, coordinating with other experts, recording all progress, reviewing results, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. In a company setting, a junior scientist must adhere to deadlines and budgets, submitting results to senior scientists and managers. Furthermore, it is essential to uphold the policies and regulations of laboratories to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
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.
Junior scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $63,169 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $90,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | California | Virginia |
| Best paying company | The University of Chicago | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Education | Energy |
There are a few differences between a junior scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Junior Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between junior scientists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Junior Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 8% | 5% |