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The differences between quality control microbiologists and chemical 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 quality control microbiologist and a chemical technician. Additionally, a quality control microbiologist has an average salary of $55,202, which is higher than the $42,584 average annual salary of a chemical technician.
The top three skills for a quality control microbiologist include environmental monitoring, GMP and lab equipment. The most important skills for a chemical technician are lab equipment, safety procedures, and hazardous materials.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $55,202 | $42,584 |
| Hourly rate | $26.54 | $20.47 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 82,081 | 40,191 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Quality control microbiologists and chemical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average salary | $55,202 | $42,584 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $79,000 | Between $30,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Calpine |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a quality control microbiologist and a chemical technician in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon |
Here are the differences between quality control microbiologists' and chemical technicians' demographics:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Chemical Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.5% Female, 57.5% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| 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, 7.7% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.9% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 9% |