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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Microbiologists

Median Salary
85,470
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,900 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$48,990

10%

$85,470

Median

$126,160

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    63%

  • Master's degree

    13%

  • Associate's degree

    9%

  • Post baccalaureate

    9%

  • Post-doctoral training

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology, General
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
  • Structural Biology
  • Parasitology
  • Virology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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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.