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The differences between laboratory interns 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 laboratory internship, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $35,305 average annual salary of a laboratory internship.
The top three skills for a laboratory internship include lab procedures, chemistry and python. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Laboratory Internship | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $35,305 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $16.97 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 90,970 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A laboratory intern is responsible for assisting laboratory operations and perform examinations and experiments under the supervision of tenured laboratory staff. Laboratory interns shadow all the laboratory processes, document their observations, and conduct an in-depth analysis of the results. They must have excellent knowledge of scientific procedures, demonstrating their class learnings to practical applications. A laboratory intern must be detail-oriented, especially on conducting and verifying the accuracy of research materials. It is also required for a laboratory intern to be a fast-learner, understanding the scientific complexities to master various approaches.
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 interns and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Internship | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $35,305 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $48,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Jersey City, NJ | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a laboratory internship and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Internship | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between laboratory interns' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Laboratory Internship | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.8% Female, 52.2% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 18.2% White, 49.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% | 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 Percentage | 6% | 10% |