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The differences between microbiology technicians and chemical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a microbiology technician, becoming a chemical technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a chemical technician has an average salary of $42,584, which is higher than the $40,084 average annual salary of a microbiology technician.
The top three skills for a microbiology technician include lab equipment, test results and laboratory procedures. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Microbiology Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $40,084 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $19.27 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 25,704 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A Microbiology Technician helps microbiologists and other scientists conduct experiments and other tests. They usually work in labs and examine microscopic subjects, such as diseases, fungi, and algae.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Microbiology technicians and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiology Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $40,084 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $53,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Central Islip, NY | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Thomas Jefferson University | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a microbiology technician and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Microbiology Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between microbiology technicians' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Microbiology Technician | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 14.1% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 9% |