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Biological scientist vs biologist

The differences between biological scientists and biologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a biological scientist has an average salary of $67,631, which is higher than the $65,158 average annual salary of a biologist.

The top three skills for a biological scientist include data analysis, cell culture and RNA. The most important skills for a biologist are data collection, GPS, and renewable energy.

Biological scientist vs biologist overview

Biological ScientistBiologist
Yearly salary$67,631$65,158
Hourly rate$32.51$31.33
Growth rate17%1%
Number of jobs51,3275,741
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age4040
Years of experience-8

What does a biological scientist do?

A biological scientist's duties will vary depending on one's industry of employment. Typically, they are responsible for studying and conducting research and analysis on living organisms, collaborating with fellow scientists, traveling to different areas, and keeping an accurate record of all observations, results, and processes. They must also prepare reports and presentations, reviewing them to ensure accuracy in every detail. Furthermore, a biological scientist may work in a laboratory setting or conduct lectures at an academic institution.

What does a biologist do?

A biologist is a specialized scientist focusing on studying living organisms and their relationship to the existing ecosystem. Biologists spend lots of time doing research and validating theories to support the complexity of the living matter. In some cases, biologists could also be out in the field rather than staying in a laboratory to collect biological specimens to justify their findings and create reports from their scientific investigations. Biologists also often communicate with government entities and private industries to provide recommendations on preserving the ecosystem and wildlife habitat.

Biological scientist vs biologist salary

Biological scientists and biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Biological ScientistBiologist
Average salary$67,631$65,158
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $107,000Between $46,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiNew York
Best paying companySchrödingerGoogle
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalPharmaceutical

Differences between biological scientist and biologist education

There are a few differences between a biological scientist and a biologist in terms of educational background:

Biological ScientistBiologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeCornell UniversityUniversity of California, Berkeley

Biological scientist vs biologist demographics

Here are the differences between biological scientists' and biologists' demographics:

Biological ScientistBiologist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 46.1% Female, 53.9%Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 15.3% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 10.4% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between biological scientist and biologist duties and responsibilities

Biological scientist example responsibilities.

  • Lead protein biochemistry efforts for nuclear receptor group and develop bioassays and initiate new approaches.
  • Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
  • Perform high molecular weight DNA extraction from bacterial cells using microbiology and molecular biology methods.
  • Provide technical/analytical inputs for the responses to FDA comments.
  • Give final presentation via PowerPoint to peers and advisors.
  • Characterize CMC drug substances for potency using in vitro effector function assay.
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Biologist example responsibilities.

  • Train for GLP compliance - manage transition of department to GLP/GCP compliance for CRO accreditation.
  • Work closely with other project leads to make sure sampling protocols for Chinook, chum and steelhead are followed.
  • Manage detailed GLP laboratory manual daily.
  • Create and manage multidisciplinary, interagency research teams.
  • Conduct data analysis for mark-recapture studies of juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead trout abundance.
  • Train ODA staff in GIS data management and model development, providing document protocols for future GIS use.
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Biological scientist vs biologist skills

Common biological scientist skills
  • Data Analysis, 9%
  • Cell Culture, 7%
  • RNA, 5%
  • Cell-Based Assays, 5%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
  • Western Blotting, 4%
Common biologist skills
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • GPS, 6%
  • Renewable Energy, 6%
  • Cell Culture, 5%
  • GIS, 4%
  • Technical Reports, 4%

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