Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
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. PayThe median annual wage for microbiologists was $87,990 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 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.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for microbiologists was $87,990 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 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.
Job Outlook
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 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 They 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 $87,990 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 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.
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 $87,990 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 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.
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.
More Information
Learn more about microbiologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.