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The differences between biological scientists and microbiologists 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 $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a biological scientist include data analysis, cell culture and RNA. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Biological Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $67,631 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $32.51 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 51,327 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
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.
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.
Biological scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $67,631 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $107,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Schrödinger | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a biological scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Biological Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between biological scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Biological Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.1% Female, 53.9% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 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 | 10% | 10% |