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The differences between quality control microbiologists and research 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 a research scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, 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 research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $55,202 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $26.54 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 82,081 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.
Quality control microbiologists and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $55,202 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $79,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a quality control microbiologist and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between quality control microbiologists' and research scientists' demographics:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.5% Female, 57.5% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |