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The differences between laboratory 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 laboratory scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a laboratory scientist has an average salary of $66,249, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a laboratory scientist include chemistry, ASCP and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Laboratory Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $66,249 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $31.85 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 83,505 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A laboratory scientist specializes in conducting research and experiments for a company or an academic institution. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around gathering and labeling samples, documenting data and progress, reviewing results, and even maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory and its apparatus. There are also instances when they have to collaborate with other scientists, report progress, and even contribute them to different publications. Furthermore, a laboratory scientist may supervise less experienced colleagues, all while implementing the safety policies and regulations of the laboratory 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.
Laboratory scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $66,249 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $93,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a laboratory scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between laboratory scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Laboratory Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.1% 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% |