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The differences between quality control microbiologists and associate scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a quality control microbiologist, becoming an associate scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an associate scientist has an average salary of $76,461, which is higher than the $55,202 average annual salary of a quality control microbiologist.
The top three skills for a quality control microbiologist include environmental monitoring, GMP and lab equipment. The most important skills for an associate scientist are chemistry, patients, and cell culture.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $55,202 | $76,461 |
| Hourly rate | $26.54 | $36.76 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 82,081 | 54,950 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A quality control microbiologist is responsible for conducting quality check procedures on laboratory investigations and studies, ensuring that the outputs adhere to the strict standards and internal regulations. Quality control microbiologists analyze raw materials and components, inspect the efficiency of laboratory tools and equipment, and validate data. A quality control microbiologists evaluate documentation for high-quality deliverables. They also monitor the adequacy of inventory for laboratory operations and maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the workplace to avoid potential hazards and prevent delays.
An Associate Scientist assists in various experiments and research, working under the direction of a lead scientist. Their specialties may include biological life sciences, geo-science, atmospheric physics, and computing.
Quality control microbiologists and associate scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average salary | $55,202 | $76,461 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $79,000 | Between $53,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Phillips 66 |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a quality control microbiologist and an associate scientist in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between quality control microbiologists' and associate scientists' demographics:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Associate Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.5% Female, 57.5% | Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 14.7% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |