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Science

Microbiologists

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.

Median salary

$87,330

Typical range

$51k – $151k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Microbiologists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Microbiologists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Microbiologists

    Entry / Junior

    $51,220

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Microbiologists

    Established

    $87,330

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Microbiologists

    Senior

    $118,990

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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