Quality control microbiologist vs laboratory analyst

The differences between quality control microbiologists and laboratory analysts 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 laboratory analyst. Additionally, a quality control microbiologist has an average salary of $55,202, which is higher than the $44,024 average annual salary of a laboratory analyst.

The top three skills for a quality control microbiologist include environmental monitoring, GMP and lab equipment. The most important skills for a laboratory analyst are test methods, lab equipment, and lims.

Quality control microbiologist vs laboratory analyst overview

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Laboratory Analyst
Yearly salary	$55,202	$44,024
Hourly rate	$26.54	$21.17
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	82,081	44,074
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age	40	38
Years of experience	2	2

What does a quality control microbiologist do?

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.

What does a laboratory analyst do?

A Laboratory Analyst helps conduct experiments, run laboratory tests, and analyze results. They compile and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report preparation.

Quality control microbiologist vs laboratory analyst salary

Quality control microbiologists and laboratory analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Laboratory Analyst
Average salary	$55,202	$44,024
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $79,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	South San Francisco, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Virginia	New York
Best paying company	Battelle	AbbVie
Best paying industry	Health Care	Pharmaceutical

Differences between quality control microbiologist and laboratory analyst education

There are a few differences between a quality control microbiologist and a laboratory analyst in terms of educational background:

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Laboratory Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common major	Biology	Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	Stanford University

Quality control microbiologist vs laboratory analyst demographics

Here are the differences between quality control microbiologists' and laboratory analysts' demographics:

	Quality Control Microbiologist	Laboratory Analyst
Average age	40	38
Gender ratio	Male, 42.5% Female, 57.5%	Male, 48.3% Female, 51.7%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	10%	8%

Differences between quality control microbiologist and laboratory analyst duties and responsibilities

Quality control microbiologist example responsibilities.

Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
Serve as GLP trainer for program staff resulting in reduce OOS occurrences due to technician error.
Provide quantitative and qualitative testing of pharmaceutical and medical device products in a GMP and ISO 17025 regulate environment.
Initiate non-conformance investigations to document and track product/manufacturing/laboratory OOS, RCI and CAPA issues.
Perform microbiological testing of raw materials and finish products utilizing filtration and pour plate bioburden testing per USP methods.
Teach procedures and the LIMS software to new employees.

Laboratory analyst example responsibilities.

Use sophisticate laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, FTIR, UV, GC) and computer systems to collect and record data.
Analyze organic compounds using gravimetric, titration, distillation and spectrophotometry methods.
Prepare for and represent the laboratory during FDA, customer, and ISO audits.
Complete preparation of organic samples for GC, HPLC, IR and GCMS analysis.
Prepare solid and aqueous samples for analysis on diagnostic instruments including GC, GCMS and IC.
Utilize internal LIMS computer database for data entry and communication.

Quality control microbiologist vs laboratory analyst skills

Common quality control microbiologist skills

Environmental Monitoring, 10%
GMP, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Microbiology Lab, 6%
FDA, 5%
Bioburden, 4%

Common laboratory analyst skills

Test Methods, 8%
Lab Equipment, 7%
Lims, 5%
Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Sample Preparation, 5%
Analytical Methods, 4%

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Quality Control Microbiologist
Quality Control Microbiologist vs Laboratory Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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