### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Microbiologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			microbiologists imageMicrobiologists use laboratory equipment such as microscopes to study microorganisms.							
						Quick Facts:     Microbiologists2023     Median Pay
            						$85,470     per year
										$41.09     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    20,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,100What Microbiologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Microbiologists work in primarily in laboratories and offices. Most work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Microbiologist
                                                
                        
Microbiologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree or Ph.D.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for microbiologists was $85,470 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of microbiologists is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 1,700 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for microbiologists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of microbiologists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about microbiologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Microbiologists Do 
            

			A microbiologist holding a test tube consults with a man wearing a lab coat.Microbiologists may supervise biological technicians.			
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. They investigate the growth, structure, and other characteristics of these organisms.
Duties
Microbiologists typically do the following:
Plan and conduct research projects, such as improving sterilization procedures or developing drugs to combat infectious diseases
Perform laboratory experiments for a variety of purposes, such as to inform the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses
Isolate and maintain cultures of microorganisms for study
Identify and classify microorganisms found in specimens collected from humans, plants, animals, or the environment
Monitor the effect of microorganisms on plants, animals, other microorganisms, or the environment
Prepare technical reports and make recommendations based on research findings
Attend conferences and present research findings
Supervise biological technicians and evaluate the accuracy of their resultsMicrobiologists study microscopic organisms to understand how they live, grow, and interact with their environments. Microbiologists sometimes focus on particular topics and collaborate with specialists in that field. For example, a medical microbiologist may research viruses and coordinate with epidemiologists and medical scientists to control the spread of disease.
Microbiologists who work in research and development may collect samples, conduct experiments, and help create a variety of products. For example, microbiologists may aid in developing genetically engineered crops designed to prevent vitamin deficiency. Those who work in academia usually choose the focus of their research, which may include overseeing their own laboratories.
To fund their research, microbiologists may need to apply for grants. They also write reports and prepare presentations about their research.
Microbiologists use microscopes, Bunsen burners, incubators, and other types of laboratory equipment. In addition, they may use computers for tasks that involve analysis and writing.
The following are examples of types of microbiologists:
***Bacteriologists*** study the growth, development, and other properties of bacteria, including the positive and negative effects that bacteria have on plants, animals, and humans.
***Clinical microbiologists*** test a wide range of specimens collected from plants, humans, and animals to aid in detecting and preventing disease.
***Environmental microbiologists*** study how microorganisms interact with ecosystems and each other.
***Industrial microbiologists*** study how microorganisms can be used in manufacturing production processes.
***Medical microbiologists***study diseases, specifically focusing on how they impact microorganisms and how to diagnose, treat, and control them.
***Mycologists*** study the properties of fungi such as yeast and mold. They research beneficial uses for, and risks of, various species of fungi.
***Parasitologists*** study organisms that live off another organism, causing harm to it. They research the life cycle of parasites, the parasite-host relationship, and how parasites adapt to different environments.
***Public health microbiologists***examine microorganisms to track, control, and prevent communicable diseases and other health hazards. They typically provide laboratory services for local health departments and community health programs.
***Virologists*** study the structure, development, and other properties of viruses and how they affect organisms.
 Work Environment
			A woman in a laboratory wears safety equipment such as goggles and gloves.Microbiologists who work with dangerous organisms follow safety procedures to avoid exposure.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Microbiologists held about 20,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of microbiologists were as follows:
        Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                28%Government
                20Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
                15Testing laboratories
                8Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                6Microbiologists typically work in laboratories, offices, and industrial or academic settings. Some microbiologists travel to collect samples from the field, which may require working outdoors in a variety of settings. Microbiologists who work with dangerous organisms follow safety procedures to avoid exposure.
In addition, the uncertainty of financial support for research may be stressful. Microbiologists often depend on funding from grants, which are awarded through a highly competitive selection process.
Work Schedules
Most microbiologists work full time.
 How to Become a Microbiologist

			MicrobiologistsMicrobiologists study the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as viruses.			
Microbiologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree or Ph.D.
Education
Microbiologists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field, such as biology.
Microbiology study includes courses such as microbial genetics, environmental microbiology, and virology. Students also may be required to take courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Undergraduate microbiology programs typically include laboratory experience, which helps students learn how to work with the equipment they will encounter on the job. Students also may gain laboratory and other practical experience by participating in internships.
A master’s degree or Ph.D. may be helpful or required for some positions. Graduate programs allow students to learn more complex topics or focus on an area of specialization, such as bacteriology or immunology. Degree requirements vary, but Ph.D. programs usually include completing a thesis or dissertation.
Training
After completing their studies, Ph.D. holders often enter postdoctoral research positions. Postdoctoral work involves developing a broader understanding of a specialization, which typically culminates in publication of their research findings.
Advancement
Some microbiologists move into managerial positions, often as natural sciences managers. Others become postsecondary teachers, which typically requires a Ph.D. and postdoctoral research experience.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some employers prefer to hire microbiologists who have earned certification, which is typically not required otherwise. Microbiologist certifications are available for a variety of specialties. For example, the American Society for Clinical Pathology offers certification that may be helpful for clinical microbiologists.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Microbiologists must be able to effectively communicate the results of their research, both orally and in writing.
***Detail oriented.*** Microbiologists must conduct scientific experiments and analyses with precision, including monitoring and recording the conditions, processes, and results of their work.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Microbiologists often work on research teams and must collaborate with others. They also lead research projects, which may involve managing technicians.
***Logical-thinking skills.*** Microbiologists draw conclusions from experiments by using reasoning and judgment to interpret the results.
***Perseverance.*** Microbiologists must persist in the trial-and-error demands of research. They should be motivated to avoid becoming discouraged in their work.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Microbiologists conduct experiments and analyze results to find solutions to scientific problems.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                MicrobiologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Life scientists$88,620  Microbiologists$85,470  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for microbiologists was $85,470 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $147,470.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for microbiologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                $102,570Government
                99,740Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
                79,190Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                63,180Testing laboratories
                54,700Most microbiologists work full time.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                MicrobiologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Life scientists7%  Microbiologists5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of microbiologists is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 1,700 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.
			Employment
	
			
Microbiologists are expected to be needed to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop new drugs that are produced with the aid of microorganisms. In addition, demand for biofuels production is expected to increase the need for microbiologists to conduct advanced research and development in these areas. Efforts to discover new and improved ways to preserve the environment and safeguard public health also are expected to support demand for these workers.

			

                        Employment projections data for     microbiologists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Microbiologists**
			19-1022
			20,900
			22,000
			5
			1,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Microbiologists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of microbiologists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Agricultural and Food Scientists**
            Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $76,400**Biochemists and Biophysicists**
            Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $107,460**Biological Technicians**
            Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
            Bachelor's degree
            $51,430**Conservation Scientists and Foresters**
            Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
            Bachelor's degree
            $68,300**Environmental Scientists and Specialists**
            Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Geoscientists**
            Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,580**Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians**
            Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,780**Medical Scientists**
            Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $100,890**Natural Sciences Managers**
            Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate research and other activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
            Bachelor's degree
            $157,740**Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists**
            Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.
            Bachelor's degree
            $70,600
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about microbiologists, visit
American Society for Microbiology
International Union of Microbiological Societies
Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
To find job openings for microbiologists in the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
For general information about careers and specialties in biological sciences, visit
American Institute of Biological Sciences
The American Society for Cell Biology
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology


                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Microbiologists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Microbiologists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/microbiologists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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