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Science technician vs microbiology technician

The differences between science technicians and microbiology technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a science technician and a microbiology technician. Additionally, a microbiology technician has an average salary of $40,084, which is higher than the $35,570 average annual salary of a science technician.

The top three skills for a science technician include lab equipment, safety regulations and research projects. The most important skills for a microbiology technician are lab equipment, test results, and laboratory procedures.

Science technician vs microbiology technician overview

Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Yearly salary$35,570$40,084
Hourly rate$17.10$19.27
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs16,07325,704
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does a science technician do?

A science technician is responsible for supporting research studies and product development processes by utilizing a scientific method approach and theories. Science technicians assist in conducting laboratory investigations, ensuring the adequacy of laboratory inventory, and inspecting the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment to prevent examination delays and potential hazards. They also write findings reports, record results, and develop accurate analysis. A science technician runs quality control procedures, interpret data, and ensuring that the investigations adhere to internal regulations and state requirements.

What does a microbiology technician do?

A Microbiology Technician helps microbiologists and other scientists conduct experiments and other tests. They usually work in labs and examine microscopic subjects, such as diseases, fungi, and algae.

Science technician vs microbiology technician salary

Science technicians and microbiology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Average salary$35,570$40,084
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $29,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MACentral Islip, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyWayfairThomas Jefferson University
Best paying industryGovernmentHealth Care

Differences between science technician and microbiology technician education

There are a few differences between a science technician and a microbiology technician in terms of educational background:

Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityCornell University

Science technician vs microbiology technician demographics

Here are the differences between science technicians' and microbiology technicians' demographics:

Science TechnicianMicrobiology Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 61.7% Female, 38.3%Male, 40.8% Female, 59.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 12.8% White, 52.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 14.1% White, 51.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between science technician and microbiology technician duties and responsibilities

Science technician example responsibilities.

  • Identify owl species by sight and sound prompt using hoot flute and reed caller.
  • Manage daily RCRA inspections and mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment preventive/corrective maintenance procedures.
  • Administer laboratory tests and experiments that include various assays, such as ELISA and specialize technologies.
  • Create GIS layers and a corresponding database of artifacts find at various GPS locations in and around the project site.
  • Perform DNA quantification and real-time PCR analysis for determination of different bacterial species abundance.
  • Operate under GLP, FDA, EPA, and OSHA standards and requirements.
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Microbiology technician example responsibilities.

  • Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
  • Apply GMP and GLP documentation for all sample testing.
  • Prepare culture media, perform culture media QC test, and maintain appropriate inventory, perform growth promotion testing and sterility.
  • Quantify total aerobic plate count and total yeast and mold count.
  • Keep records of all tests in database and keep entries of QA checks.
  • Use of microscopes, autoclaves, carboys, manual and electric pipettes, etc.
  • Show more

Science technician vs microbiology technician skills

Common science technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 13%
  • Safety Regulations, 11%
  • Research Projects, 10%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Data Entry, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%
Common microbiology technician skills
  • Lab Equipment, 10%
  • Test Results, 6%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
  • Environmental Monitoring, 5%
  • Media Preparation, 5%
  • FDA, 4%

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