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The differences between microbiologists and biologists 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 biologist takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a biologist has an average salary of $65,158, 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 biologist are data collection, GPS, and renewable energy.
| Microbiologist | Biologist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $65,158 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $31.33 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 5,741 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
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 biologist is a specialized scientist focusing on studying living organisms and their relationship to the existing ecosystem. Biologists spend lots of time doing research and validating theories to support the complexity of the living matter. In some cases, biologists could also be out in the field rather than staying in a laboratory to collect biological specimens to justify their findings and create reports from their scientific investigations. Biologists also often communicate with government entities and private industries to provide recommendations on preserving the ecosystem and wildlife habitat.
Microbiologists and biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Biologist | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $65,158 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $46,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New York |
| Best paying company | Battelle | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a biologist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Biologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of California, Berkeley |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and biologists' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Biologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 10.4% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |