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The differences between microbiologists and research scientists 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 scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, 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 scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| 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.
The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.
Microbiologists and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and research scientists' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |