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The differences between microbiologists and epidemiologists 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 an epidemiologist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an epidemiologist has an average salary of $59,329, 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 an epidemiologist are SAS, data analysis, and statistical analysis.
| Microbiologist | Epidemiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $59,329 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $28.52 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 26% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 485 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Master's Degree, 44% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| 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.
An epidemiologist specializes in studying and investigating different diseases, including its causes and effects on the human body. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering samples and subjecting them to various experiments and scientific procedures, traveling to different areas to conduct observations and in-depth analysis, maintaining extensive records, coordinating with other scientists and experts, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. Furthermore, as an epidemiologist, it is vital to utilize expertise by creating policies for a healthy and safe environment for everyone.
Microbiologists and epidemiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Epidemiologist | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $59,329 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $28,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Exxon Mobil |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and an epidemiologist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Epidemiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Master's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Biology | Ecology, Population Biology, And Epidemiology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and epidemiologists' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Epidemiologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 35.8% Female, 64.2% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |