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The differences between technical 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 technical scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technical scientist has an average salary of $90,867, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a technical scientist include molecular biology, GMP and data analysis. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.
| Technical Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $90,867 | $54,620 |
| Hourly rate | $43.69 | $26.26 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 112,408 | 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 |
A Technical Scientist is responsible for using established literature on laboratory techniques and basic scientific experimentation to improve processes and products. Their duties include developing solutions for routine and non-routine problems, evaluating workflow progress against objectives, inspect scientific data, and present laboratory results, and contribute to the implementation of new processes within a team. They must ensure compliance with safe working practice, quality standards, and its relevant environment and risk management system workplace guidelines. A Technical Scientist must have advanced knowledge in data analysis tools such as spreadsheets and have well-rounded communication skills for effective presentation to a wide demographic.
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.
Technical scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average salary | $90,867 | $54,620 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $125,000 | Between $39,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Apple | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a technical scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:
| Technical Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between technical scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:
| Technical Scientist | Microbiologist | |
| Average age | 41 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.7% Female, 41.3% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% 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% |