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The differences between laboratory scientists and associate scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a laboratory scientist and an associate scientist. Additionally, an associate scientist has an average salary of $76,461, which is higher than the $66,249 average annual salary of a laboratory scientist.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for an associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Laboratory Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A laboratory scientist specializes in conducting research and experiments for a company or an academic institution. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around gathering and labeling samples, documenting data and progress, reviewing results, and even maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory and its apparatus. There are also instances when they have to collaborate with other scientists, report progress, and even contribute them to different publications. Furthermore, a laboratory scientist may supervise less experienced colleagues, all while implementing the safety policies and regulations of the laboratory to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
An Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
Laboratory scientists and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |