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The differences between biologists and molecular biologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a biologist and a molecular biologist. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, 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 molecular biologist are CRISPR, next-generation sequencing, and cell culture.
| Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Yearly salary | $65,158 | $73,763 |
| Hourly rate | $31.33 | $35.46 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 5,741 | 22,019 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
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 molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.
Biologists and molecular biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Average salary | $65,158 | $73,763 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $91,000 | Between $52,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | New York | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Novartis | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a biologist and a molecular biologist in terms of educational background:
| Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between biologists' and molecular biologists' demographics:
| Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6% | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% |
| 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% |