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The differences between analytical 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 technician and a microbiologist. Additionally, an analytical technician has an average salary of $69,177, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for an analytical technician include lab equipment, HPLC and SQL. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Analytical Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $69,177 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $33.26 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 48,581 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Analytical technicians are professionals who are responsible for managing the daily operation of activities in a laboratory as well as maintain lab equipment to ensure a high standard of sanitation. These technicians must assist in laboratory work, such as developing analytical test methods and performing analysis of raw materials and in-process samples. They are required to maintain relevant files and data records but should inform the laboratory manager when they are faced with technical problems. Analytical technicians should also determine the physical and chemical properties of compounds by using quantitative and qualitative analyses.
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 technicians and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Analytical Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $69,177 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $114,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an analytical technician and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Analytical Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between analytical technicians' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Analytical Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.4% Female, 43.6% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.4% White, 61.8% 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% |