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The differences between junior 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 junior scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a junior scientist has an average salary of $63,169, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a junior scientist include lab equipment, literature and data analysis. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Junior Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $63,169 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $30.37 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 56,283 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A junior scientist is in charge of conducting research and scientific studies while under the supervision of a more experienced scientist. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering and preparing samples, performing experiments and analysis, coordinating with other experts, recording all progress, reviewing results, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. In a company setting, a junior scientist must adhere to deadlines and budgets, submitting results to senior scientists and managers. Furthermore, it is essential to uphold the policies and regulations of laboratories to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
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.
Junior scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $63,169 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $90,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | The University of Chicago | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Education | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a junior scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Junior Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between junior scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Junior Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% 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% |