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The differences between microbiologists and chemical technicians 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 a chemical technician. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| 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.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Microbiologists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 9% |