What Microbiologists Do
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.
Work Environment
Microbiologists work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct scientific experiments and analyze the results. Most microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours.
How to Become a Microbiologist
A bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field is needed for entry-level microbiologist jobs. A Ph.D. is typically needed to carry out independent research and to work in colleges and universities.
Pay
The median annual wage for microbiologists was $75,650 in May 2019.
Job Outlook
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to contribute to basic research, solve problems encountered in industrial production processes, and monitor environmental conditions to ensure public health and safety.
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments.
Duties
Microbiologists typically do the following:
- Plan and conduct complex research projects, such as improving sterilization procedures or developing new drugs to combat infectious diseases
- Perform laboratory experiments that are used in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses
- Supervise the work of biological technicians and other workers and evaluate the accuracy of their results
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other 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
- Review literature and the findings of other researchers and attend conferences
- Prepare technical reports, publish research papers, and make recommendations based on their research findings
- Present research findings to scientists, nonscientist executives, engineers, other colleagues, and the public
Many microbiologists work in research and development conducting basic research or applied research. The aim of basic research is to increase scientific knowledge. An example is growing strains of bacteria in various conditions to learn how they react to those conditions. Other microbiologists conduct applied research and develop new products to solve particular problems. For example, microbiologists may aid in the development of genetically engineered crops, better biofuels, or new vaccines.
Microbiologists use computers and a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory instruments to do their experiments. Electron microscopes are used to study bacteria, and advanced computer software is used to analyze the growth of microorganisms found in samples.
It is increasingly common for microbiologists to work on teams with technicians and scientists in other fields, because many scientific research projects involve multiple disciplines. Microbiologists may work with medical scientists or molecular biologists while researching new drugs, or they may work in medical diagnostic laboratories alongside physicians and nurses to help prevent, treat, and cure diseases.
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 perform a wide range of clinical laboratory tests on specimens collected from plants, humans, and animals to aid in detection of disease. Clinical and medical microbiologists whose work involves directly researching human health may be classified as medical scientists.
Environmental microbiologists study how microorganisms interact with the environment and each other. They may study the use of microbes to clean up areas contaminated by heavy metals or study how microbes could aid crop growth.
Industrial microbiologists study and solve problems related to industrial production processes. They may examine microbial growth found in the pipes of a chemical factory, monitor the impact industrial waste has on the local ecosystem, or oversee the microbial activities used in cheese production to ensure quality.
Mycologists study the properties of fungi such as yeast and mold. They also study the ways fungi can be used to benefit society (for example, in food or the environment) and the risks fungi may pose.
Parasitologists study the life cycle of parasites, the parasite-host relationship, and how parasites adapt to different environments. They may investigate the outbreak and control of parasitic diseases such as malaria.
Public health microbiologists examine specimens 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 any effects viruses have on infected organisms.
Many people with a microbiology background become high school teachers or postsecondary teachers.
Microbiologists held about 20,200 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of microbiologists were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 23% |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 13 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 12 |
| Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing | 11 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 7 |
Microbiologists typically work in laboratories, offices, and industrial settings where they conduct experiments and analyze the results. Microbiologists who work with dangerous organisms must follow strict safety procedures to avoid contamination. Some microbiologists may conduct onsite visits or collect samples from the environment or worksites, and, as a result, may travel occasionally and spend some time outside.
Basic researchers who work in academia usually choose the focus of their research and run their own laboratories. Applied researchers who work for companies study the products that the company will sell or suggest modifications to the production process so that the company can become more efficient. Basic researchers often need to fund their research by winning grants. These grants often put pressure on researchers to meet deadlines and other specifications. Research grants are generally awarded through a competitive selection process.
Work Schedules
Most microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours.
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of microbiologists.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Agricultural and Food Scientists |
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. |
Bachelor’s degree | $65,160 | |
Biochemists and Biophysicists |
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $94,490 | |
Biological Technicians |
Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. |
Bachelor’s degree | $45,860 | |
Conservation Scientists and Foresters |
Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. |
Bachelor’s degree | $62,410 | |
Environmental Scientists and Specialists |
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. |
Bachelor’s degree | $71,360 | |
|
|
Geoscientists |
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. |
Bachelor’s degree | $92,040 |
|
|
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians |
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. |
Bachelor’s degree | $53,120 |
|
|
Medical Scientists |
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $88,790 |
Natural Sciences Managers |
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. |
Bachelor’s degree | $129,100 | |
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists |
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. |
Bachelor’s degree | $63,270 |
For more information about microbiologists, visit
American Society for Microbiology
International Union of Microbiological Societies
Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
To find job openings for microbiologists in the federal government, visit
For general information about careers and specialties in biological sciences, visit
American Institute of Biological Sciences
The American Society for Cell Biology
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
For information about microbiologists’ tools and activities, visit
For more information about microbiological topics, visit
O*NET
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Microbiologists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/microbiologists.htm (visited ).
