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The differences between microbiologists and laboratory technicians 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 laboratory technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
Laboratory technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
Microbiologists and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | New York University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |