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Production scientist vs chemist

The differences between production scientists and chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a production scientist has an average salary of $77,464, which is higher than the $64,961 average annual salary of a chemist.

The top three skills for a production scientist include process improvement, QC and lab equipment. The most important skills for a chemist are chemistry, lab equipment, and test results.

Production scientist vs chemist overview

Production ScientistChemist
Yearly salary$77,464$64,961
Hourly rate$37.24$31.23
Growth rate17%6%
Number of jobs100,30120,221
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age4142
Years of experience4-

What does a production scientist do?

A production scientist analyzes production operations and manufacturing processes to identify gaps, modify current procedures that would increase process efficiency, and maximize optimal performance. Production scientists inspect the tools and materials utilized for the production and oversee research trials for process formulations. They also develop opportunities and design models that support business functions, generating more innovation and increasing more revenue resources for the business. A production scientist writes research findings, manages resources, and determines various process feasibility.

What does a chemist do?

Chemists are generally responsible for observing and investigating chemical substances to create new and safe compounds essential for practical applications. They are often grouped depending on a particular area of specialization to focus and understand the complexities of the matter. A chemist usually takes time performing research and conducting experiments to test and further improve the quality and usage of a specific chemical substance. Chemists are expected to write on their observations and findings to establish scientific results.

Production scientist vs chemist salary

Production scientists and chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Production ScientistChemist
Average salary$77,464$64,961
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $124,000Between $46,000 And $90,000
Highest paying CitySouth San Francisco, CAWilmington, DE
Highest paying stateCaliforniaDelaware
Best paying companyBeckman CoulterMeta
Best paying industryHealth CareManufacturing

Differences between production scientist and chemist education

There are a few differences between a production scientist and a chemist in terms of educational background:

Production ScientistChemist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorBiologyChemistry
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Production scientist vs chemist demographics

Here are the differences between production scientists' and chemists' demographics:

Production ScientistChemist
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 58.4% Female, 41.6%Male, 59.6% Female, 40.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 23.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.2% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between production scientist and chemist duties and responsibilities

Production scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage a team focuse on genotyping, purification, and quantitation assays, including training of new scientists.
  • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
  • Follow current GMP, GDP and FDA regulations to maintain documentation and improve work instructions.
  • Extract biological samples and analyze via HPLC and LC/MS/MS analysis in accordance with GLP regulations.
  • Acquire good laboratory practice (GLP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP) in industry.
  • Direct technology transfer from bench top to pilot scale and then to production scale at CMO.
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Chemist example responsibilities.

  • Lead QA, engineering, and operations training events.
  • Achieve and maintain ISO 9001-2000 certification by creating and implementing policies and serving as management representative.
  • Perform analysis of drug substance and drug product using HPLC, GC, dissolution and UV/VIS.
  • Utilize IR, AA, UV, HPLC and other chemical analysis equipment to assess product quality.
  • Prepare solutions to run on HPLC, ICP and AA instruments.
  • Involve in operation and preventative maintenance of LC/MS, GC/FID, and HPLC instrumentation.
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Production scientist vs chemist skills

Common production scientist skills
  • Process Improvement, 14%
  • QC, 8%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • GMP, 6%
  • Molecular Biology, 4%
  • PCR, 4%
Common chemist skills
  • Chemistry, 20%
  • Lab Equipment, 7%
  • Test Results, 7%
  • Product Development, 5%
  • Method Development, 5%
  • HPLC, 5%

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