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The differences between pilot plant technicians and microbiological laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a pilot plant technician and a microbiological laboratory technician. Additionally, a pilot plant technician has an average salary of $55,161, which is higher than the $38,713 average annual salary of a microbiological laboratory technician.
The top three skills for a pilot plant technician include pilot plant equipment, safety procedures and GMP. The most important skills for a microbiological laboratory technician are microbiology lab, laboratory procedures, and aseptic technique.
| Pilot Plant Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $55,161 | $38,713 |
| Hourly rate | $26.52 | $18.61 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 23,485 | 44,567 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Pilot plant technicians need relevant pilot plant experience or experience in a food manufacturing environment, as well as knowledge of operation and maintenance of pilot plant equipment. Paid salaries of $48K per year, those in this career are expected to operate experimental pilot plants, assist with experimental design, and develop new processes in chemical engineering and production.
A microbiological laboratory technician specializes in handling and testing samples, ensuring accuracy and safety. Often working under the supervision of a more experienced scientist, a microbiological laboratory technician has the responsibility to operate various devices and machines, record all progress and data, review results, and produce reports and documentation. There are also instances when a technician must submit results within deadlines or follow a senior scientist's directives. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the safety policies and rules of the laboratory at all times.
Pilot plant technicians and microbiological laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilot Plant Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $55,161 | $38,713 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $70,000 | Between $29,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bridgeport, CT | Burlington, MA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Koppers | AstraZeneca |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a pilot plant technician and a microbiological laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Pilot Plant Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between pilot plant technicians' and microbiological laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Pilot Plant Technician | Microbiological Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.7% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 15.2% White, 51.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |