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Principal scientist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between principal scientists and laboratory analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a principal scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a principal scientist has an average salary of $119,982, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a principal scientist include oncology, data analysis and drug discovery. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Principal scientist vs laboratory analyst overview

Principal ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Yearly salary$119,982$44,024
Hourly rate$57.68$21.17
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs80,89944,074
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4138
Years of experience42

What does a principal scientist do?

A Principal Scientist is focused on leading scientific teams and conducting research. They ensure that their teams have the resources to properly perform research tasks.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Principal scientist vs laboratory analyst salary

Principal scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Principal ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average salary$119,982$44,024
Salary rangeBetween $84,000 And $169,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyPayPalAbbVie
Best paying industryFinancePharmaceutical

Differences between principal scientist and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between a principal scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

Principal ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityStanford University

Principal scientist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between principal scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

Principal ScientistLaboratory Analyst
Average age4138
Gender ratioMale, 76.8% Female, 23.2%Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between principal scientist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Principal scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage pediatric dose development project, technology transfer project and alternate API supplier qualification project on budget and on schedule
  • Provide development of and line support for assign immunoassay reagents, calibrators and controls.
  • Transfer controls to manufacturing for product launch and include all require studies, testing and documentation under GMP guidelines.
  • Maintain several lab documents for ISO certification.
  • Understand drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics and design stable molecules.
  • Image visualization and manipulation of background plates for animation and post-processing.
  • Show more

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

  • Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
  • Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
  • Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
  • Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
  • Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
  • Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.
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Principal scientist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common principal scientist skills
  • Oncology, 7%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Drug Discovery, 5%
  • GMP, 3%
  • Experimental Design, 3%
  • Clinical Trials, 3%
Common laboratory analyst skills
  • Test Methods, 8%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Lims, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Sample Preparation, 5%
  • Analytical Methods, 4%

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