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The differences between biologists and biochemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a biologist, becoming a biochemist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a biochemist has an average salary of $72,910, which is higher than the $65,158 average annual salary of a biologist.
The top three skills for a biologist include data collection, GPS and renewable energy. The most important skills for a biochemist are chemistry, immunoassay, and elisa.
| Biologist | Biochemist | |
| Yearly salary | $65,158 | $72,910 |
| Hourly rate | $31.33 | $35.05 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 15% |
| Number of jobs | 5,741 | 16,016 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
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.
A biochemist is responsible for researching biological processes and the components of organisms to diagnose possible diseases and develop medication solutions for various illnesses and genetic disorders. Biochemists also contribute resources for environmental sustainability that would help the agricultural industry prevent afflictions. They conduct an in-depth analysis of complex projects and manage laboratory investigations while following strict protocols and safety regulations. A biochemist organizes research papers and present studies to other scientists and medical professionals for recommendations or possible further experiments.
Biologists and biochemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biologist | Biochemist | |
| Average salary | $65,158 | $72,910 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $91,000 | Between $47,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Genentech | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a biologist and a biochemist in terms of educational background:
| Biologist | Biochemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between biologists' and biochemists' demographics:
| Biologist | Biochemist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6% | Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |