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The differences between product development scientists and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a product development scientist, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a product development scientist has an average salary of $84,817, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a product development scientist include chemistry, project management and data analysis. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Product Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $84,817 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $40.78 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 147,027 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Product development scientists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Product Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $84,817 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $115,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Education | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a product development scientist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Product Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between product development scientists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Product Development Scientist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 41 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |