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The differences between microbiologists and professional 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 professional research assistant. Additionally, a professional research assistant has an average salary of $58,202, 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 professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Microbiologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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 professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Microbiologists and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |