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Microscopist vs hazmat technician

The differences between microscopists and hazmat technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a microscopist and a hazmat technician. Additionally, a microscopist has an average salary of $51,773, which is higher than the $40,096 average annual salary of a hazmat technician.

The top three skills for a microscopist include chemistry, asbestos and electron microscope. The most important skills for a hazmat technician are safety procedures, emergency response, and OSHA.

Microscopist vs hazmat technician overview

MicroscopistHazmat Technician
Yearly salary$51,773$40,096
Hourly rate$24.89$19.28
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs7,51331,166
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Microscopist vs hazmat technician salary

Microscopists and hazmat technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

MicroscopistHazmat Technician
Average salary$51,773$40,096
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $85,000Between $29,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between microscopist and hazmat technician education

There are a few differences between a microscopist and a hazmat technician in terms of educational background:

MicroscopistHazmat Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorBiologyBusiness
Most common collegeStanford University-

Microscopist vs hazmat technician demographics

Here are the differences between microscopists' and hazmat technicians' demographics:

MicroscopistHazmat Technician
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 56.9% Female, 43.1%Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between microscopist and hazmat technician duties and responsibilities

Microscopist example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Design and perform research studies on particle chemistry.
  • Perform QC analysis for accuracy.
  • Quantify asbestos levels in air and building material samples for state and federal environmental remediation projects.
  • Prepare bulk asbestos samples, analyze samples utilizing polarize light microscopy with dispersion staining and enter sample results into data system.
  • Assist HAZWOPER technicians with logistical support for operations on project operations including research of facilities and vendors need for project completion.
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Hazmat technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Can conduct remediation at hazwoper sites.
  • Re-Cover residue material for disposal are done in accordance to EPA guidelines.
  • Complete complex governmental paperwork require by FAA, EPA, on say incidents.
  • Ensure shop area follow and maintain all EPA laws as well as OSHA rules and regulations.
  • Ensure proper segregation of items store in HAZMAT storage areas to prevent mixing of incompatible chemicals.
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Microscopist vs hazmat technician skills

Common microscopist skills
  • Chemistry, 32%
  • Asbestos, 20%
  • Electron Microscope, 10%
  • QC, 10%
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy, 6%
  • PLM, 4%
Common hazmat technician skills
  • Safety Procedures, 14%
  • Emergency Response, 12%
  • OSHA, 9%
  • Industrial Cleaning, 8%
  • Space Entry, 8%
  • CPR, 7%

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