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The differences between principal research scientists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a principal research scientist has an average salary of $127,191, which is higher than the $75,843 average annual salary of a research chemist.
The top three skills for a principal research scientist include research projects, principal research and data analysis. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Principal Research Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $127,191 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $61.15 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 126,911 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
Principal research scientists are responsible for designing and directing research laboratories, commencing new research activities, and searching for funding opportunities. Other duties include presenting proposals and attaining the terms of research grants and contracts, organizing, running, and reporting on original research, as well as constituting their research groups externally. These scientists usually propose, implement, and report a distinguished scientific program. The individuals appointed on this role may regularly serve as chief investigators on grants and contracts.
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.
Principal research scientists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Research Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $127,191 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $184,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | California | Virginia |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Energy |
There are a few differences between a principal research scientist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Principal Research Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between principal research scientists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Principal Research Scientist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% 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% |