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The differences between research laboratory managers and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a research laboratory manager, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a research laboratory manager has an average salary of $64,333, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a research laboratory manager include lab equipment, research projects and lab safety. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Research Laboratory Manager | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $64,333 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $30.93 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 89,981 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Research laboratory managers are management professionals who are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of laboratories by implementing safety lab procedures. These managers are required to coordinate the repair and maintenance of lab equipment while training lab technicians and assistants on the correct use of equipment. They must perform experimental studies and analyze the research data collected for research projects. Research laboratory managers must also manage the inventory of laboratory equipment while coordinating the purchase of lab supplies.
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 laboratory managers and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Laboratory Manager | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $64,333 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $91,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a research laboratory manager and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Research Laboratory Manager | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between research laboratory managers' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Research Laboratory Manager | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.2% Female, 54.8% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 8% | 10% |