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The differences between product development 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 product development scientist, becoming a laboratory analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a product development scientist has an average salary of $84,817, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.
The top three skills for a product development scientist include chemistry, project management and data analysis. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.
| Product Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $84,817 | $44,024 |
| Hourly rate | $40.78 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 147,027 | 44,074 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| 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 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.
Product development scientists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Product Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average salary | $84,817 | $44,024 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $115,000 | Between $31,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Amazon | AbbVie |
| Best paying industry | Education | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a product development scientist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:
| Product Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between product development scientists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:
| Product Development Scientist | Laboratory Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7% | Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |