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The differences between post-doctoral scientists and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a post-doctoral scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a post-doctoral scientist has an average salary of $58,490, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a post-doctoral scientist include research projects, molecular biology and PI. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $58,490 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $28.12 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 57,376 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A post-doctoral scientist is responsible for conducting more complex research studies to gain knowledge and expertise on scientific methodologies and investigations. Post-doctoral scientists collect materials and components for the examination that would support their scientific claims. They perform field investigations, interview participants, and write accurate reports for reference. A post-doctoral scientist must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, as well as an interest in discoveries and science nature that would play a vital role in the research development.
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.
Post-doctoral scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $58,490 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $78,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a post-doctoral scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between post-doctoral scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Post-Doctoral Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.9% Female, 37.1% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 33.1% White, 46.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |