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The differences between lead scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead scientist has an average salary of $110,028, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.
The top three skills for a lead scientist include C++, java and data analysis. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Lead Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $110,028 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $52.90 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 49,455 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A lead scientist is primarily in charge of leading the efforts in conducting scientific studies within a particular program or project. Their responsibilities revolve around setting goals and objectives, delegating tasks, establishing guidelines, and overseeing the progress and performance of other scientists and workers in a laboratory. They may also liaise with clients and external parties, including the media. Furthermore, as a lead scientist, it is essential to encourage the team to reach goals, all while implementing the laboratory's safety policies and regulations 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.
Lead scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $110,028 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $153,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Cruz, CA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | Tennessee | Virginia |
| Best paying company | PayPal | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a lead scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Lead Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | 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 lead scientists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Lead Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.9% Female, 29.1% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% 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% |