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The differences between quality control associates and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research chemist has an average salary of $75,843, which is higher than the $44,519 average annual salary of a quality control associate.
The top three skills for a quality control associate include QC, GMP and laboratory equipment. The most important skills for a research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Quality Control Associate | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $44,519 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $21.40 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 83,137 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 38 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
In a manufacturing setting, a quality control associate is in charge of conducting various tests to ensure that the products meet the company's standard criteria. Their responsibilities revolve around inspecting the workforce and workload involved in the production process, identifying errors or inconsistencies, recommending solutions and alterations, and maintaining records and documentation. Furthermore, as a quality control associate, it is essential to coordinate with department staff and produce progress reports, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
A research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
Quality control associates and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Associate | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $44,519 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $71,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Energy |
There are a few differences between a quality control associate and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Associate | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between quality control associates' and research chemists' demographics:
| Quality Control Associate | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 38 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 13.2% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |