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The differences between microbiologists and biology laboratory assistants 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 biology laboratory assistant takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $34,240 average annual salary of a biology laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for a biology laboratory assistant are lab equipment, biology laboratory, and chemistry.
| Microbiologist | Biology Laboratory Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $34,240 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $16.46 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 48,958 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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 biology laboratory assistant is in charge of assisting scientists or researchers and performing laboratory support tasks on a daily basis. Their responsibilities include setting up and sanitizing equipment, preparing samples, maintaining documentation of all experiments and procedures, writing laboratory reports, and running errands as needed. There are also instances where they must update databases, answer calls and correspondence, and grade student papers. Furthermore, a biology laboratory assistant must maintain the cleanliness of laboratories, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
Microbiologists and biology laboratory assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Biology Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $34,240 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $22,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Bridgewater, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Government |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a biology laboratory assistant in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Biology Laboratory Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and biology laboratory assistants' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Biology Laboratory Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 36.7% Female, 63.3% |
| 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, 12.4% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 14.9% White, 50.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 6% |