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The differences between microbiologists and laboratory research assistants 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 laboratory research assistant. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $36,537 average annual salary of a laboratory research assistant.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for a laboratory research assistant are data collection, patients, and laboratory equipment.
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $36,537 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $17.57 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 87,343 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| 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 laboratory research assistant is an individual who performs lab experiments and carries out projects designed by senior lab staff members. Laboratory research assistants design and conduct experiments using biohazards and other dangerous materials to gain information and test scientific processes. They must write detailed reports of their research and experiments and then deliver these reports in written and verbal forms. Laboratory research assistants may also work in different settings such as medical facilities and pharmaceutical companies.
Microbiologists and laboratory research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $36,537 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $24,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Battelle | New York University |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a laboratory research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and laboratory research assistants' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.6% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |