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The differences between quality control microbiologists and senior 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 senior scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior scientist has an average salary of $106,672, 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 senior scientist are patients, data analysis, and molecular biology.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $55,202 | $106,672 |
| Hourly rate | $26.54 | $51.28 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 82,081 | 49,712 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| 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.
A senior scientist is usually in charge of overseeing experiments and evaluating junior scientists' performance, especially in laboratory settings. Moreover, it is also their responsibility to assess every progress report to ensure it's accuracy and validity. As a senior scientist in the field, it is essential to lead and encourage fellow scientists in their joint pursuit for scientific innovations, all while adhering to the laboratory's standards and policies.
Quality control microbiologists and senior scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Average salary | $55,202 | $106,672 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $79,000 | Between $74,000 And $153,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a quality control microbiologist and a senior scientist in terms of educational background:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Biology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between quality control microbiologists' and senior scientists' demographics:
| Quality Control Microbiologist | Senior Scientist | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.5% Female, 57.5% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |