Laboratory analyst vs microbiologist

The differences between laboratory analysts 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 laboratory analyst and a microbiologist. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a laboratory analyst include test methods, lab equipment and lims. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.

Laboratory analyst vs microbiologist overview

	Laboratory Analyst	Microbiologist
Yearly salary	$44,024	$54,620
Hourly rate	$21.17	$26.26
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	44,074	11,444
Job satisfaction	-	3.5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age	38	40
Years of experience	2	2

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

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.

Laboratory analyst vs microbiologist salary

Laboratory analysts and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Laboratory Analyst	Microbiologist
Average salary	$44,024	$54,620
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $62,000	Between $39,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	New York	Massachusetts
Best paying company	AbbVie	Battelle
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Pharmaceutical

Differences between laboratory analyst and microbiologist education

There are a few differences between a laboratory analyst and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:

	Laboratory Analyst	Microbiologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Laboratory analyst vs microbiologist demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory analysts' and microbiologists' demographics:

	Laboratory Analyst	Microbiologist
Average age	38	40
Gender ratio	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%	Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	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%

Differences between laboratory analyst and microbiologist duties and responsibilities

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.

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.

Laboratory analyst vs microbiologist skills

Common laboratory analyst skills

Test Methods, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Lims, 5%
Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Sample Preparation, 5%
Analytical Methods, 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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Laboratory Analyst vs Microbiologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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