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The differences between molecular biologists and chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $64,961 average annual salary of a chemist.
The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a chemist are chemistry, lab equipment, and test results.
| Molecular Biologist | Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,763 | $64,961 |
| Hourly rate | $35.46 | $31.23 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 22,019 | 20,221 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 8 | - |
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.
Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.
Molecular biologists and chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molecular Biologist | Chemist | |
| Average salary | $73,763 | $64,961 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $104,000 | Between $46,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | Wilmington, DE |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Novartis | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a chemist in terms of educational background:
| Molecular Biologist | Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 80% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and chemists' demographics:
| Molecular Biologist | Chemist | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 59.6% Female, 40.4% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.2% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 5% |