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The differences between field applications 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 field applications scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a field applications scientist has an average salary of $101,706, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a field applications scientist include post sales, next-generation sequencing and pre sales. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Field Applications Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $101,706 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $48.90 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 105,557 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A field application scientist is responsible for assisting with customers' inquiries and concerns on scientific tools and laboratory equipment and machinery. Field application scientists guide the customers on proper usage of the equipment, as well as its maintenance and other related functions. They also create designs for experiment materials, running diagnostic tests, and writing specifications accurately. A field application scientist processes the installation of scientific equipment and manages feature upgrades to boost optimal performance and adhere to the customers' needs and demands.
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.
Field applications scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Field Applications Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $101,706 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $142,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | 10x Genomics | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a field applications scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Field Applications Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between field applications scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Field Applications Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.0% Female, 33.0% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 25.4% White, 54.5% 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% |