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The differences between cell 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 cell biologist and a molecular biologist. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $68,698 average annual salary of a cell biologist.
The top three skills for a cell biologist include molecular biology, data analysis and cell-based assays. The most important skills for a molecular biologist are CRISPR, next-generation sequencing, and cell culture.
| Cell Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Yearly salary | $68,698 | $73,763 |
| Hourly rate | $33.03 | $35.46 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 24,079 | 22,019 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
A cell biologist specializes in studying cell structures and their interactions with biological organisms. They primarily work at laboratories where their responsibilities usually include conducting extensive research, gathering and analyzing samples through various laboratory procedures, performing experiments, and maintaining detailed records of all operations. Through their research findings, a cell biologist may produce publications or utilize the results for developing pharmaceutical products or treatments. When it comes to employment, a cell biologist may work for government agencies, private or public laboratories, and even teach at colleges or universities.
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.
Cell biologists and molecular biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cell Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Average salary | $68,698 | $73,763 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $102,000 | Between $52,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Novartis |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cell biologist and a molecular biologist in terms of educational background:
| Cell Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between cell biologists' and molecular biologists' demographics:
| Cell Biologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 17.7% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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% |