Microbiologists
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Isolates and maintains microbial cultures under controlled moisture, air, temperature, and nutrition, then uses a microscope to identify organisms in human, water, or food samples. Tests water, food, and environmental samples for harmful organisms or signs of pollution, and studies how microbes relate to disease, epidemics, and antibiotics. Uses specialized lab equipment such as electron microscopes, chromatographs, and thermocyclers, and may provide results to health departments, environmental programs, and physicians. Writes technical reports and recommendations and may supervise technicians and other scientists. Suits people who like precise lab routines, close observation of cultures, and careful interpretation of test results.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$87'990
Median Wage Market Position
$87'990
What you might do
- Grow and maintain cultures of bacteria
- Identify microbes under a microscope
- Test water and food for harmful organisms
- Study how microbes cause and spread disease
- Run lab tests that aid medical diagnosis
- Write technical reports on research findings
Skills that matter
- Isolating and maintaining microbial cultures
- Identifying organisms under the microscope
- Testing water and food for contaminants
- Linking microbes to disease and antibiotics
- Writing reports for physicians and health departments
- Directing laboratory technicians and scientists
AI & the future of this role
Routine culture logging and literature synthesis may shift toward automated tools, yet hands-on sterile technique, experimental judgment, and pathogen-safety accountability still anchor much of the work. Public-health and biotech research demand also cushions exposure.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details