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Microbiologist
Also called: Clinical Microbiologist · Industrial Microbiologist · Quality Microbiologist · Research Microbiologist
What microbiologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a microbiologist do?
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi, working in health, food, pharmaceuticals, environment and research. The median pay is $87,990 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4+ years, and employment is projected to grow +6.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$87,990$42.30/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.2%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year1,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4+ yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs20,100Employment, 2025
What microbiologists do
Microbiologists study the tiny organisms that shape our world. They identify pathogens, test products for contamination, develop vaccines and antibiotics, use microbes to make products, track outbreaks and study environmental microbes. They work in pharmaceutical and food companies, hospitals, public health labs and universities.
Most microbiologists have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or biology; research roles often require a PhD. Employment is projected to grow about as fast as average.
Typical duties
- Culture and identify microorganisms
- Test products for contamination
- Design and run experiments
- Monitor clean rooms and environments
- Analyze data
- Write reports
- Supervise technicians
Work environment and schedule
Microbiologists work in labs, sometimes with infectious agents under biosafety rules.
Schedule: Most work full-time; some tests require weekend checks.
A day in the life
- Read plates from yesterday’s tests.
- Identify a bacterial isolate.
- Monitor a clean room for contamination.
- Review sterility test results.
See a full day in the life of a microbiologist →
Microbiologist salary
Half of microbiologists earned more than $87,990 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $54,670 for the lowest 10% to $150,000 for the top 10%.
Full microbiologist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a microbiologist
- Study biology
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Get experience
- Consider graduate school
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in microbiology or biology is typical; research roles often require a PhD.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a microbiologist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Aseptic technique
- Microbial identification
- Sterility testing
- Environmental monitoring
- Molecular methods
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Patience
All microbiologist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong pay
- Protect public health
- Many industries
- Fascinating science
Cons
- Biohazard exposure
- Repetitive testing in QC roles
- Advanced degrees for research
- Strict procedures
Certifications and licenses
- ASM Specialist Microbiologist: American Society for Microbiology.
- ASCP Microbiology certification: Clinical credential.
- GMP training: Regulated labs.
- Biosafety training: Required for pathogens.
Career path
- Microbiology Technician: Run tests.
- Microbiologist: Lead testing.
- Senior Microbiologist: Investigations.
- QC or Lab Manager: Lead labs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Microbiologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a gram stain and monitor a clean room, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Microbiologist vs. Biological Technician · Microbiologist vs. Medical Lab Tech · Microbiologist vs. Chemist · Microbiologist vs. Food Science Technician
Microbiologist FAQ
Do microbiologists need a PhD?
Not for many industry roles, but research often requires one.
Where do they work?
Pharma, food, hospitals, public health and universities.
Is it dangerous?
Biosafety rules control risks.
How much does a microbiologist make?
The median annual wage for microbiologists was $87,990 ($42.30 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $54,670 and the highest 10% earned more than $150,000.
How long does it take to become a microbiologist?
Most people need about 4+ years of training. A bachelor’s degree in microbiology or biology is typical; research roles often require a PhD.
Do you need a degree to be a microbiologist?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More microbiologist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-1022 (Microbiologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Microbiologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.