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The differences between biological 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 technician and a microbiological laboratory technician. Additionally, a biological technician has an average salary of $43,572, which is higher than the $38,713 average annual salary of a microbiological laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a biological technician include GPS, lab equipment and data collection. The most important skills for a microbiological laboratory technician are microbiology lab, laboratory procedures, and aseptic technique.
| Biological Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $43,572 | $38,713 |
| Hourly rate | $20.95 | $18.61 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 9,182 | 44,567 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A biological technician is in charge of performing laboratory support tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering and preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, conducting analysis and experiments, recording every progress, and maintaining documentation. They may also coordinate with other technicians and scientists in various research and development efforts, summarizing findings into reports and presentations. Furthermore, as a laboratory technician, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness and order in the laboratory, all while adhering to its policies and regulations.
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 technicians and microbiological laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $43,572 | $38,713 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Burlington, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | AstraZeneca |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a biological technician and a microbiological laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Biological Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between biological technicians' and microbiological laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Biological Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 12.6% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% | 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% |