Life Scientists

How to become a Microbiologist

Official title: Microbiologists

Also called: Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Public Health Microbiologist, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist), Research Microbiologist, Research Specialist

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.

Main tasks

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.

How to become one

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.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $87,990 a year The middle half earn $67,100 to $122,350.
About 20,100 people work in this job now, and about 21,400 are projected by 2035. (+6.2%)
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I 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.

How much does a Microbiologist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $87,990 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $67,100 to $122,350.

Is a Microbiologist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 20,100 to about 21,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Microbiologist?

Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Microbiologist?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.