Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between certifying scientists 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 certifying scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a certifying scientist has an average salary of $92,486, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a certifying scientist include ms, test results and LC. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Certifying Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $92,486 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $44.46 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 45,588 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A certifying scientist works at laboratories where they conduct regular evaluations to ensure that operations adhere to standards and regulations. Although their duties may vary upon their company or institution of employment, it usually includes conducting data reviews and assessments, facilitating quality control procedures, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They can also take part in processing samples through various laboratory procedures, conducting experiments, maintaining records, and interpreting analysis results. When it comes to employment, a certifying scientist may work at government agencies, private laboratories, or even become an instructor at universities or colleges.
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.
Certifying scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Certifying Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $92,486 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $146,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a certifying scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Certifying Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between certifying scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Certifying Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.9% Female, 62.1% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 25.3% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 8% | 10% |