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The differences between chemical laboratory technicians and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a chemical laboratory technician and a microbiologist. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $41,087 average annual salary of a chemical laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a chemical laboratory technician include lab equipment, routine maintenance and chemical analysis. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $41,087 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $19.75 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 47,036 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A chemical laboratory technician is in charge of performing support tasks for chemists in a laboratory or similar setting. Their duties and responsibilities typically revolve around handling and managing chemicals and laboratory apparatuses, gathering and preparing samples, performing analysis, operating machines and devices, and maintaining records of all procedures and results. They may also procure supplies, organize chemicals, and ensure proper waste disposal. Furthermore, as a chemical laboratory technician, it is essential to maintain the cleanliness and order in laboratories, all while implementing 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.
Chemical laboratory technicians and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $41,087 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $51,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Albuquerque, NM | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Basin Electric Power Cooperative | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a chemical laboratory technician and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between chemical laboratory technicians' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 8.4% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 10% |