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The differences between biological technicians and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a biological technician, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $43,572 average annual salary of a biological technician.
The top three skills for a biological technician include GPS, lab equipment and data collection. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Biological Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $43,572 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $20.95 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 9,182 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
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 technicians and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $43,572 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $61,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a biological technician and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Biological Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between biological technicians' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Biological Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.2% Female, 46.8% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| 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, 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 | 6% | 10% |