Microbiologists
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.
Also called: Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Cytologist, Electron Microscopist, Medical Lab Scientist (Medical Laboratory Scientist)
Median pay
$87,990
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$54,670 – $150,000
People employed
18,940
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Microbiologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (42 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What microbiologists do
- 01Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- 02Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- 03Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
- 04Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- 05Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- 06Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from microbiologists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health78% · −7%
- Chemists77% · +4%
- Medical Dosimetrists76% · +68%
- Materials Scientists75% · +34%
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers75% · +16%
Change into microbiologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Chemists80% · $91,240
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health78% · $82,220
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health76% · $55,090
- Bioinformatics Technicians74% · $81,490
- Biological Technicians74% · $57,510
Majors that lead here
- Soil Microbiology
- Structural Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
- Microbiology, General
- Virology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.