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The differences between microbiologists and molecular biologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a microbiologist, becoming a molecular biologist takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.
The top three skills for a microbiologist include lab equipment, microbiology lab and environmental monitoring. The most important skills for a molecular biologist are CRISPR, next-generation sequencing, and cell culture.
| Microbiologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Yearly Salary | $54,620 | $73,763 |
| Hourly rate | $26.26 | $35.46 |
| Growth Rate | 9% | 17% |
| Number Of Jobs | 11,444 | 22,019 |
| Job Satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average Age | 40 | 40 |
| Years Of Experience | 2 | 8 |
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.
A molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.
Microbiologists and molecular biologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Microbiologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Average Salary | $54,620 | $73,763 |
| Salary Range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $52,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest Paying City | Boston, MA | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest Paying State | Massachusetts | Hawaii |
| Best Paying Company | Battelle | Novartis |
| Best Paying Industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a microbiologist and a molecular biologist in terms of educational background:
| Microbiologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most Common Major | Biology | Biology |
| Most Common College | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between microbiologists' and molecular biologists' demographics:
| Microbiologist | Molecular Biologist | |
| Average Age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% |
| Race Ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |