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The differences between production 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 production scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a production scientist has an average salary of $77,464, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a production scientist include process improvement, QC and lab equipment. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Production Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $77,464 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $37.24 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 100,301 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A production scientist analyzes production operations and manufacturing processes to identify gaps, modify current procedures that would increase process efficiency, and maximize optimal performance. Production scientists inspect the tools and materials utilized for the production and oversee research trials for process formulations. They also develop opportunities and design models that support business functions, generating more innovation and increasing more revenue resources for the business. A production scientist writes research findings, manages resources, and determines various process feasibility.
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.
Production scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $77,464 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $124,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Beckman Coulter | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a production scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Production Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between production scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Production Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.4% Female, 41.6% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 23.3% White, 57.1% 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% |