Microbiologists
SOC Code: 19-1022Also known as:
Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Cytologist, Electron Microscopist
Median Annual Salary
$87,330
+4.1% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
21K
Current Jobs
What Microbiologists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$87,330
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
20,700
Projected Employment (2034)
21,600
Related Careers
Biochemists and biophysicists
$103,650 •
+5.8% growth
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330 •
+1.2% growth
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590 •
+8.7% growth
Biological technicians
$52,000 •
+3.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Science
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
- Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Microbiologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a microbiologists:
Microbiology, General
2,646 degrees awarded •
107 colleges offer this program
Microbiology and Immunology
443 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
264 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other
253 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Immunology
220 degrees awarded •
25 colleges offer this program
Virology
16 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Structural Biology
14 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Microbiologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become microbiologists.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do microbiologists make?
The median annual salary for microbiologists is $87,330.
What education do microbiologists need?
Most microbiologists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Microbiology, General, Microbiology and Immunology, Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other.
Is becoming microbiologists a good career choice?
Microbiologists is projected to see +4.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for microbiologists?
Top colleges for aspiring microbiologists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-San Diego.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to microbiologists?
Microbiologists may also be known as: Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Cytologist, Electron Microscopist, Medical Lab Scientist (Medical Laboratory Scientist), Medical Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Microbiology Analyst, Microbiology Scientist, Microbiology Specialist, Microscopist, Pharmaceutical Microbiologist, Public Health Microbiologist, QA Microbiologist (Quality Assurance Microbiologist), Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist), Quality Control Microbiology Analyst (QC Microbiology Analyst), Research Microbiologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.