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The differences between principal research scientists and senior 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 $91,008 average annual salary of a senior chemist.
The top three skills for a principal research scientist include research projects, principal research and data analysis. The most important skills for a senior chemist are method development, laboratory equipment, and HPLC.
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $127,191 | $91,008 |
| Hourly rate | $61.15 | $43.75 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 126,911 | 12,823 |
| 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.
Senior Chemists are responsible for designing, developing, and testing formulations and compounds. They also maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and relevant documentation.
Principal research scientists and senior chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior Chemist | |
| Average salary | $127,191 | $91,008 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $184,000 | Between $67,000 And $123,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Vermont |
| Best paying company | ||
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a principal research scientist and a senior chemist in terms of educational background:
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior 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 senior chemists' demographics:
| Principal Research Scientist | Senior Chemist | |
| Average age | 41 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% | Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4% |
| 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, 7.8% 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% |