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The differences between microbiologists and research 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 research laboratory technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $38,308 average annual salary of a research laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for a research laboratory technician are patients, chemistry, and laboratory equipment.
| Microbiologist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $38,308 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $18.42 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 86,476 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| 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.
Research laboratory technicians play a vital role in scientific laboratories. They perform varied duties and responsibilities, which include setting up, operating, and maintaining the laboratory equipment, assisting in laboratory-based research activities such as sampling, testing, and analyzing results, and providing technical support to the laboratory team members. In addition, they are expected to support the development and advancement of science and modern medicine. Other typical duties of research laboratory technicians include preparing samples and specimens, keeping abreast with current technical developments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety procedures.
Microbiologists and research laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $38,308 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $30,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Chicago, IL |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Illinois |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a research laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and research laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Research Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 49.0% Female, 51.0% |
| 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, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.5% Asian, 15.7% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 6% |