Science
Microbiologist
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Median pay
$87,990
Growth to 2035
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year
1,500
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Microbiologist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Microbiologist: 50% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
- Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Also called: Bacteriologist · Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist) · Clinical Microbiologist · Medical Technologist · Microbiological Analyst · Microbiologist · Public Health Microbiologist · Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist)
Outlook and AI
Microbiologists held 20,100 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 21,400 by 2035 (+6%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Microbiologist vs. Biochemists and biophysicists
- Microbiologist vs. Biological technician
- Microbiologist vs. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
- Microbiologist vs. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
- Microbiologist vs. Biological scientists, all other
- Microbiologist vs. Chemist
- Microbiologist vs. Physicians, pathologists
- Microbiologist vs. Epidemiologist