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The differences between microbiologists and student 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 student research assistant. Additionally, a microbiologist has an average salary of $54,620, which is higher than the $27,475 average annual salary of a student research assistant.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for a student research assistant are lab equipment, student research, and data collection.
| Microbiologist | Student Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $54,620 | $27,475 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $13.21 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 11,444 | 59,758 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 student research assistant is responsible for supporting the school's research department on conducting various research tasks using the techniques and resources provided by the supervising faculty. Student research assistants collect and verify research data, interpret and document findings using research methodologies, organize and prepare research materials, write research reports, and provide recommendations to improve research strategies and techniques. A student research assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and be a fast-learner to interpret data within a specific time.
Microbiologists and student research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Student Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $54,620 | $27,475 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $19,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Fairbanks, AK |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Battelle | |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a student research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Student Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and student research assistants' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Student Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 44.1% Female, 55.9% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 16.7% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |