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The differences between microbiologists and biochemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a microbiologist, becoming a biochemist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a biochemist has an average salary of $72,910, 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 a biochemist are chemistry, immunoassay, and elisa.
| Microbiologist | Biochemist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $72,910 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $35.05 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 15% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 16,016 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
A biochemist is responsible for researching biological processes and the components of organisms to diagnose possible diseases and develop medication solutions for various illnesses and genetic disorders. Biochemists also contribute resources for environmental sustainability that would help the agricultural industry prevent afflictions. They conduct an in-depth analysis of complex projects and manage laboratory investigations while following strict protocols and safety regulations. A biochemist organizes research papers and present studies to other scientists and medical professionals for recommendations or possible further experiments.
Microbiologists and biochemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Biochemist | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $72,910 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $47,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Genentech |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a biochemist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Biochemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and biochemists' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Biochemist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0% |
| 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, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |