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The differences between staff 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 staff scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a staff scientist has an average salary of $93,941, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a staff scientist include data analysis, research projects and molecular biology. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Staff Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $93,941 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $45.16 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 121,054 | 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 |
The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.
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.
Staff scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Staff Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $93,941 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $137,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Etsy | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a staff scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Staff Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between staff scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Staff Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.8% Female, 32.2% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.6% 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% |