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The differences between microbiologists and doctors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a doctor has an average salary of $208,582, 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 doctor are patients, customer service, and emergency medicine.
| Microbiologist | Doctor | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $208,582 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $100.28 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 14,571 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 40 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 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 doctor is a medical expert who diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries, often specializing in particular areas. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting initial interviews and examinations, studying a patient's medical history and laboratory results, providing consultations and care advice, prescribing medication, and referring patients to specialists when necessary. They must also coordinate and maintain an active communication line with nurses, administrators, and technicians for a smooth workflow. Moreover, a doctor must educate patients about their health conditions, helping them understand their situation better.
Microbiologists and doctors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Doctor | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $208,582 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $106,000 And $408,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Green Bay, WI |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Ohio |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Saint Luke's Health System |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a doctor in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Doctor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medicine |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and doctors' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Doctor | |
| Average age | 40 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 45.8% Female, 54.2% |
| 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, 5.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 13% |