Computational biologist vs resource biologist

The differences between computational biologists and resource 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 computational biologist and a resource biologist. Additionally, a computational biologist has an average salary of $61,449, which is higher than the $55,582 average annual salary of a resource biologist.

The top three skills for a computational biologist include python, machine learning and next-generation sequencing. The most important skills for a resource biologist are GIS, water quality, and GPS.

Computational biologist vs resource biologist overview

	Computational Biologist	Resource Biologist
Yearly salary	$61,449	$55,582
Hourly rate	$29.54	$26.72
Growth rate	17%	1%
Number of jobs	12,839	8,041
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 90%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	8	8

Computational biologist vs resource biologist salary

Computational biologists and resource biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computational Biologist	Resource Biologist
Average salary	$61,449	$55,582
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $99,000	Between $35,000 And $87,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Google	-
Best paying industry	Health Care	-

Differences between computational biologist and resource biologist education

There are a few differences between a computational biologist and a resource biologist in terms of educational background:

	Computational Biologist	Resource Biologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 90%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	University of California, Berkeley

Computational biologist vs resource biologist demographics

Here are the differences between computational biologists' and resource biologists' demographics:

	Computational Biologist	Resource Biologist
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8%	Male, 58.8% Female, 41.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.0% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian, 11.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between computational biologist and resource biologist duties and responsibilities

Computational biologist example responsibilities.

Develop UNIX shell script, PERL and AWK program and apply TECPLOT software macro files to automate data processing and report.
Manage detailed GLP laboratory manual daily.
Design and perform model-based gene expression analysis with whole genome tiling-microarray data sets using SAS.
Generate QC report and plots for new RNASeq samples using BAM files, PICARD, SAM tools etc.
Foster collaborations both within USDA and with external scientists.
Breed the mice, perform genotyping, injection and operation.

Resource biologist example responsibilities.

Manage detailed GLP laboratory manual daily.
Analyze MBSS ecological data against other GIS data sets, e.g., calculate land use/ land cover for all MBSS sites.
Gather GIS data, photographs and compile daily reports of field observations make while working with and advising cleanup crews.
Project require review of existing environmental data, identification of permitting requirements, wetland identification/delineation and sensitive and endanger species issues.
Implement multiple assays to assess plasma biomarkers to support decision-making studies of hypertension benchmark compounds and RAAS pathway new targets.

Computational biologist vs resource biologist skills

Common computational biologist skills

Python, 24%
Machine Learning, 13%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 9%
C++, 6%
Visualization, 5%
Biological Data, 5%

Common resource biologist skills

GIS, 34%
Water Quality, 23%
GPS, 13%
Species Surveys, 13%
Biological Data, 11%
Boats, 7%

Computational Biologist vs. similar jobs

Computational Biologist related careers

Computational Biologist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Computational Biologist
Computational Biologist vs Resource Biologist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs