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The differences between chemistry 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 chemistry laboratory technician and a microbiologist. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $40,072 average annual salary of a chemistry laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a chemistry laboratory technician include lab equipment, test results and laboratory tests. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $40,072 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $19.27 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 43,043 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A chemical laboratory technician is an individual who works in a designated laboratory to conduct analytical or lab-based tests on a variety of chemicals, materials, or products. Chemical laboratory technicians receive and test samples for quality assurance, safety inspection, or environmental impact. Under the supervision of chemists and other team members, they perform lab activities such as setting up lab equipment and preparing chemical solutions. Chemistry laboratory technicians can work in different industries such as pharmaceutical, mining, food, and environmental organizations.
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.
Chemistry laboratory technicians and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $40,072 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $49,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Denver, CO | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Zoetis | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a chemistry laboratory technician and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between chemistry laboratory technicians' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Chemistry Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 9.2% White, 62.9% 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% |