Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between quality control microbiologists and quality control managers 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 a quality control manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a quality control manager has an average salary of $87,679, 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 a quality control manager are product quality, quality procedures, and OSHA.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Quality Control Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $55,202 | $87,679 |
| Hourly rate | $26.54 | $42.15 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 82,081 | 82,389 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 40 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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 quality control manager is responsible for checking the quality of products and materials, especially for release and delivery, ensuring that the items are free of any defects. Quality control managers coordinate with other organization heads to develop effective processes to maintain and improve the products' efficiency, following the regulatory procedures and standard protocols. They monitor production, identify areas of improvement, inspect the finished products, and adjust product development techniques based on the client's specifications. A quality control manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the production team and address concerns immediately.
Quality control microbiologists and quality control managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Quality Control Manager | |
| Average salary | $55,202 | $87,679 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $79,000 | Between $62,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Fall River, MA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a quality control microbiologist and a quality control manager in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Quality Control Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between quality control microbiologists' and quality control managers' demographics:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Quality Control Manager | |
| Average age | 40 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.5% Female, 57.5% | Male, 76.1% Female, 23.9% |
| 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, 3.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 9.0% White, 69.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |