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The differences between manufacturing 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 manufacturing scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a manufacturing scientist has an average salary of $87,366, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a manufacturing scientist include chemistry, continuous improvement and QC. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Manufacturing Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $87,366 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $42.00 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 74,018 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A manufacturing scientist specializes in conducting experiments to develop products and procedures according to its product development needs. It is their duty to understand the purpose and vision of the projects, perform research and analysis, coordinate with clients and experts, and keep records of all procedures and findings. They must also identify market needs, studying feedback from clients. Furthermore, as a manufacturing scientist, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for an efficient and successful workflow.
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.
Manufacturing scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manufacturing Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $87,366 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $122,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Lumileds | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a manufacturing scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Manufacturing Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between manufacturing scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Manufacturing Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.6% Female, 54.4% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.7% 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% |