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The differences between microbiology technicians and professional research assistants 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 professional research assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a professional research assistant has an average salary of $58,202, 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 professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Microbiology Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $40,084 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $19.27 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 25,704 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| 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 professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Microbiology technicians and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiology Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $40,084 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $53,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Central Islip, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Thomas Jefferson University | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a microbiology technician and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Microbiology Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between microbiology technicians' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Microbiology Technician | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |