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The differences between biological science technicians and microbiological laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a biological science technician and a microbiological laboratory technician. Additionally, a microbiological laboratory technician has an average salary of $38,713, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.
The top three skills for a biological science technician include laboratory equipment, data collection and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a microbiological laboratory technician are microbiology lab, laboratory procedures, and aseptic technique.
| Biological Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,390 | $38,713 |
| Hourly rate | $17.01 | $18.61 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 13,801 | 44,567 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.
A microbiological laboratory technician specializes in handling and testing samples, ensuring accuracy and safety. Often working under the supervision of a more experienced scientist, a microbiological laboratory technician has the responsibility to operate various devices and machines, record all progress and data, review results, and produce reports and documentation. There are also instances when a technician must submit results within deadlines or follow a senior scientist's directives. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the safety policies and rules of the laboratory at all times.
Biological science technicians and microbiological laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,390 | $38,713 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Watertown Town, MA | Burlington, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | SenesTech | AstraZeneca |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a biological science technician and a microbiological laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Biological Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between biological science technicians' and microbiological laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Biological Science Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0% | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 15.2% White, 51.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |