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The differences between product development scientists and associate scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a product development scientist and an associate scientist. Additionally, a product development scientist has an average salary of $84,817, which is higher than the $76,461 average annual salary of an associate scientist.
The top three skills for a product development scientist include chemistry, project management and data analysis. The most important skills for an associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Product Development Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $84,817 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $40.78 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 147,027 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A product development scientist is responsible for conducting in-depth scientific research and method analysis to develop medical technologies, medications, and foods, depending on the industry. Product development scientists may also perform enhancements on existing products by studying its components and improve its features. They evaluate the manufacturing processes of a product, providing recommendations on additional resources to generate revenues and profits. A product development scientist often works in a laboratory, requiring them to follow strict safety protocols and ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of the area to prevent contamination and result inconsistencies.
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.
Product development scientists and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Product Development Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $84,817 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $115,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Education | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a product development scientist and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Product Development Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between product development scientists' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Product Development Scientist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 8% | 8% |