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The differences between associate scientists and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an associate scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an associate scientist has an average salary of $76,461, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for an associate scientist include chemistry, patients and cell culture. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Associate Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $76,461 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $36.76 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 54,950 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
An Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
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 scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $76,461 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $109,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Phillips 66 | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an associate scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Associate Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between associate scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Associate Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 8% | 10% |