skip to main content
MENU

Microbiologists

General Information

Description

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.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2021 - 2031)
+9%
Read More

Job Outlook

×

Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 openings for microbiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

Related Military Careers

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$79,260

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$129,380
$47,060
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 47%
  • Post baccalaureate 17%
  • Master's degree 13%
  • Post-doctoral training 8%
  • Doctoral degree 4%
  • Associate's degree 4%
  • Post-master's certificate 4%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.
  • Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Biology
  • Education and Training
  • Chemistry
  • English Language
  • Mathematics

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

No Information for this section

* Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.