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
How to Become a Microbiologist Microbiologists 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 & 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. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
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. 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 sustain the need for microbiologists to conduct advanced research and development. Efforts to discover new and improved ways to preserve the environment and safeguard public health also are expected to support demand for these workers. Microbiologists Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Life scientists 9% Microbiologists 6% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Microbiologists Do
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 results
Microbiologists 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
Work Environment
Microbiologists held about 20,100 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of microbiologists were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 21% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 20 |
| Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing | 14 |
| Testing laboratories and services | 11 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | 7 |
Microbiologists 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.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. 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.
More Information
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.
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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.