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The differences between associate chemists and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an associate chemist has an average salary of $61,544, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for an associate chemist include lab equipment, HPLC and method development. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Associate Chemist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $61,544 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $29.59 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 7,387 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
An Associate Chemist performs and analyzes chemical tests and procedures. They maintain the stock of drugs and ensure that they are stored in a secure place.
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.
Associate chemists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Chemist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $61,544 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $97,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Worcester, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Alere | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an associate chemist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Associate Chemist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between associate chemists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Associate Chemist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 54.9% Female, 45.1% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.1% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 5% | 10% |