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The differences between scientists 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 scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a scientist has an average salary of $97,344, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a scientist include chemistry, data analysis and patients. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $97,344 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $46.80 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 62,467 | 11,444 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A scientist is responsible for researching and analyzing the nature and complexities of the physical world to identify discoveries that would improve people's lives and ignite scientific knowledge for society. Scientists' duties differ in their different areas of expertise, but all of them must have a broad comprehension of scientific disciplines and methods to support their experiments and investigations. They collect the sample for their research, record findings, create research proposals, and release publications. A scientist must know how to utilize laboratory equipment to support the study and drive results efficiently and accurately.
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.
Scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $97,344 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $140,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Airbnb | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% 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% |