Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between microbiological laboratory technicians 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 microbiological laboratory technician, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $38,713 average annual salary of a microbiological laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a microbiological laboratory technician include microbiology lab, laboratory procedures and aseptic technique. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $38,713 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $18.61 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 44,567 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A microbiological laboratory technician specializes in handling and testing samples, ensuring accuracy and safety. Often working under the supervision of a more experienced scientist, a microbiological laboratory technician has the responsibility to operate various devices and machines, record all progress and data, review results, and produce reports and documentation. There are also instances when a technician must submit results within deadlines or follow a senior scientist's directives. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the safety policies and rules of the laboratory at all times.
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.
Microbiological laboratory technicians and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $38,713 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Burlington, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a microbiological laboratory technician and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between microbiological laboratory technicians' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Microbiological Laboratory Technician | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 15.2% White, 51.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% | 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% |