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Chemistry technologist vs microbiologist

The differences between chemistry technologists 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 technologist and a microbiologist. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $46,569 average annual salary of a chemistry technologist.

The top three skills for a chemistry technologist include lab equipment, chromatography and analytical chemistry. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.

Chemistry technologist vs microbiologist overview

Chemistry TechnologistMicrobiologist
Yearly salary$46,569$54,620
Hourly rate$22.39$26.26
Growth rate4%9%
Number of jobs53,33211,444
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age4440
Years of experience22

What does a chemistry technologist do?

A chemistry technologist is responsible for evaluating chemical components and processes by performing laboratory tests and investigations to support scientific studies and claims. Chemistry technologists develop chemical solutions to create and improve existing features of commercial products and enhance the quality standards. They utilize various laboratory tools and equipment and ensure stability and efficiency to avoid potential hazards and generate accurate results. A chemistry technologist must have excellent scientific and critical-thinking skills to identify opportunities for chemical purposes and production processes.

What does a microbiologist do?

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 technologist vs microbiologist salary

Chemistry technologists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chemistry TechnologistMicrobiologist
Average salary$46,569$54,620
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $65,000Between $39,000 And $75,000
Highest paying CityNew Haven, CTBoston, MA
Highest paying stateMarylandMassachusetts
Best paying companyTri-City Medical CenterBattelle
Best paying industryUtilitiesPharmaceutical

Differences between chemistry technologist and microbiologist education

There are a few differences between a chemistry technologist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:

Chemistry TechnologistMicrobiologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common majorChemistryBiology
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Chemistry technologist vs microbiologist demographics

Here are the differences between chemistry technologists' and microbiologists' demographics:

Chemistry TechnologistMicrobiologist
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 52.8% Female, 47.2%Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 9.3% White, 62.7% 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 Percentage9%10%

Differences between chemistry technologist and microbiologist duties and responsibilities

Chemistry technologist example responsibilities.

  • Train in performing GLP (research testing regulate by the FDA).
  • Perform daily chemical production work following ISO and GMP guidelines; additionally create and monitor the production schedule.
  • Perform analysis of plant fluids utilizing AA, ICP, HPLC, GC, gamma spectroscopy, and liquid scintillation.
  • Used GC (gas chromatography) analysis to determine the amount of trans fat in salad oil, ensuring customers specifications.
  • Work in a regulate GLP lab setting.
  • Enter and maintain data and other files in LIMS.
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Microbiologist example responsibilities.

  • Establish a DNA fingerprinting lab to aid in bacterial food borne disease investigations and manage it for ten years.
  • Manage external contract labs for GLP testing, prepare documentation for regulatory approval.
  • Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
  • Perform biochemical tests for the detection of communicable disease agents including tuberculosis, HIV, and other sexually transmit diseases.
  • Receive and log samples in LIMS as well as compiled work batches, QC sheets and data reports.
  • Utilize various real time PCR and DNA extraction technologies to identify and characterize various biological agents and infectious diseases.
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Chemistry technologist vs microbiologist skills

Common chemistry technologist skills
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • Chromatography, 6%
  • Analytical Chemistry, 5%
  • HPLC, 4%
  • Sample Preparation, 4%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 4%
Common microbiologist skills
  • Lab Equipment, 9%
  • Microbiology Lab, 7%
  • Environmental Monitoring, 7%
  • Test Methods, 6%
  • GMP, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%

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