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Biological science technician vs microbiology technician

The differences between biological science technicians and microbiology 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 microbiology technician. Additionally, a microbiology technician has an average salary of $40,084, 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 microbiology technician are lab equipment, test results, and laboratory procedures.

Biological science technician vs microbiology technician overview

Biological Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Yearly salary$35,390$40,084
Hourly rate$17.01$19.27
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs13,80125,704
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does a biological science technician do?

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.

What does a microbiology technician do?

A Microbiology Technician helps microbiologists and other scientists conduct experiments and other tests. They usually work in labs and examine microscopic subjects, such as diseases, fungi, and algae.

Biological science technician vs microbiology technician salary

Biological science technicians and microbiology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Biological Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Average salary$35,390$40,084
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $29,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityWatertown Town, MACentral Islip, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companySenesTechThomas Jefferson University
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between biological science technician and microbiology technician education

There are a few differences between a biological science technician and a microbiology technician in terms of educational background:

Biological Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityCornell University

Biological science technician vs microbiology technician demographics

Here are the differences between biological science technicians' and microbiology technicians' demographics:

Biological Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 51.0% Female, 49.0%Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 14.1% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between biological science technician and microbiology technician duties and responsibilities

Biological science technician example responsibilities.

  • Create PowerPoint and other support media for presentation of research to PhD research leads.
  • Assist in developing a genetic algorithm for generating sound recognition templates for insect calls (still ongoing).
  • Develop an image viewer design to let researchers train programs so that they can see and label insect calls
  • General laboratory work - collecting tissue sample, organization/preparation, plant seeds, greenhouse work, maintenance of plants, etc
  • Train on FDA regulations for biological materials and regulating inventory.
  • Prepare bacteria suspension for greenhouse cotton bolls and inject bacterial suspension bolls.
  • Show more

Microbiology technician example responsibilities.

  • Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
  • Apply GMP and GLP documentation for all sample testing.
  • Prepare culture media, perform culture media QC test, and maintain appropriate inventory, perform growth promotion testing and sterility.
  • Quantify total aerobic plate count and total yeast and mold count.
  • Keep records of all tests in database and keep entries of QA checks.
  • Use of microscopes, autoclaves, carboys, manual and electric pipettes, etc.
  • Show more

Biological science technician vs microbiology technician skills

Common biological science technician skills
  • Laboratory Equipment, 10%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Scientific Data, 5%
  • USDA, 5%
  • Water Quality, 4%
Common microbiology technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 10%
  • Test Results, 6%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Environmental Monitoring, 5%
  • Media Preparation, 5%
  • FDA, 4%

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