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The differences between microbiologists and assistant research scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a microbiologist and an assistant research scientist. Additionally, an assistant research scientist has an average salary of $62,780, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for an assistant research scientist are research projects, data collection, and data analysis.
| Microbiologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $62,780 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $30.18 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 88,786 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
Microbiologists and assistant research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $62,780 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $43,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Battelle | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and an assistant research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and assistant research scientists' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Assistant Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 55.6% Female, 44.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |