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The differences between microbiologists and research chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research chemist has an average salary of $75,843, 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 research chemist are laboratory equipment, method development, and R.
| Microbiologist | Research Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $75,843 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $36.46 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 53,769 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| 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 research chemist specializes in conducting studies and experiments to develop new products. Their duties primarily focus on conducting research and assessments, gathering and analyzing chemical samples, developing ideas, conducting tests to study chemical reactions, maintaining records of all procedures, and utilizing previous studies. Their research findings can be used to create new medicines, enhance existing products, and lead to innovations. When it comes to employment, a research chemist may work for pharmaceutical companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and learning institutions.
Microbiologists and research chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Research Chemist | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $75,843 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $53,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | McLean, VA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Battelle | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Energy |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a research chemist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Research Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and research chemists' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Research Chemist | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| 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, 7.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 22.2% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 5% |