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The differences between lead scientists and senior 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 $91,008 average annual salary of a senior chemist.
The top three skills for a lead scientist include C++, java and data analysis. The most important skills for a senior chemist are method development, laboratory equipment, and HPLC.
| Lead Scientist | Senior Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $110,028 | $91,008 |
| Hourly rate | $52.90 | $43.75 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 49,455 | 12,823 |
| 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.
Senior Chemists are responsible for designing, developing, and testing formulations and compounds. They also maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and relevant documentation.
Lead scientists and senior chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Scientist | Senior Chemist | |
| Average salary | $110,028 | $91,008 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $153,000 | Between $67,000 And $123,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Cruz, CA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Tennessee | Vermont |
| Best paying company | PayPal | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a lead scientist and a senior chemist in terms of educational background:
| Lead Scientist | Senior 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 senior chemists' demographics:
| Lead Scientist | Senior Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.9% Female, 29.1% | Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 22.3% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |