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The differences between research biologists and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a research biologist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research biologist has an average salary of $69,719, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a research biologist include laboratory equipment, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Research Biologist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $69,719 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $33.52 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 52,799 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 2 |
A research biologist is a scientist who works in the outdoors, laboratories, and offices to study the natural elements so that they can better understand how living organisms work. Research biologists must design experiments for various research projects conducted under standard operating procedures and good laboratory practice guidelines. They are required to supervise lab technicians and veterinary medicine students in their respective research projects and studies. Research biologists must also provide support for clinical research protocols through laboratory procedures and protocols.
Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.
Research biologists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Biologist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $69,719 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $96,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Juneau, AK | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a research biologist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Research Biologist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between research biologists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Research Biologist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.9% Female, 55.1% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 15.7% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 13.6% White, 69.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |