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The differences between analytical laboratory technicians and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an analytical laboratory technician and a microbiologist. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $41,538 average annual salary of an analytical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for an analytical laboratory technician include lab equipment, analytical lab and HPLC. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Analytical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $41,538 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $19.97 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 50,750 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An analytical laboratory technician is responsible for operating various equipment to perform laboratory research and investigations under a professional scientist's supervision. Analytical laboratory technicians ensure the laboratory and machinery's safety and cleanliness to avoid potential hazards and keep accurate laboratory results. They also manage the adequacy of laboratory inventories, create purchase requests, and document findings for reference. An analytical laboratory technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in performing examinations accordingly while following strict safety protocols and regulatory policies.
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
Analytical laboratory technicians and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Analytical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $41,538 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $53,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Elizabethtown, KY | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Zoetis | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an analytical laboratory technician and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Analytical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between analytical laboratory technicians' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Analytical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.0% Female, 45.0% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 13.6% White, 69.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 10% |