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The differences between materials 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 materials scientist and an associate scientist. Additionally, a materials scientist has an average salary of $84,459, which is higher than the $76,461 average annual salary of an associate scientist.
The top three skills for a materials scientist include polymer, SEM and materials characterization. The most important skills for an associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Materials Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $84,459 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $40.61 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 46,795 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A materials scientist is responsible for evaluating scientific properties, investigating chemical solutions and structures, and analyzing the components of natural materials. Materials scientists perform data analysis using scientific methods and operating different laboratory tools and equipment to develop entirely new scientific discoveries that would benefit various market industries for production. They also validate their findings by researching existing cases or coordinating with science experts to support their claims. A materials scientist creates a comprehensive report, including its scope and benefits for society.
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.
Materials scientists and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Materials Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $84,459 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $119,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a materials scientist and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Materials Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between materials scientists' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Materials Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 29.6% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 5% | 8% |