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The differences between molecular biologists and associate scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a molecular biologist, becoming an associate scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an associate scientist has an average salary of $76,461, which is higher than the $73,763 average annual salary of a molecular biologist.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for an associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Molecular Biologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.
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.
Molecular biologists and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Novartis | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 10% | 8% |