Microbiologist
Subheading for Microbiologist
Also known as: ["Bacteriologist", "clinical lab scientist", "clinical microbiologist", "environmental microbiologist", "industrial microbiologist", "microbiological analyst", "microbiologist", "microbial ecologist", "public health microbiologist", "quality control microbiologist", "research microbiologist", "synthetic microbiologist", "virologist", "medical microbiologist", "medical laboratory scientist", "medical laboratory technician"]
A microbiologist is an investigator of the microscopic world, uncovering the hidden roles of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in our lives. Their discoveries help diagnose and treat patients with bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, shield our food from contamination, unlock new medical treatments, and cultivate healthier, more sustainable farms. By decoding nature’s tiniest organisms, microbiologists pave the way for innovations that protect our health and shape a more resilient future.
Duties
- Investigate microbes You will be required to conduct experiments to study microorganisms, culture microbes in controlled environments, and practice using different growing media and techniques.
- Document and analyze data You will accurately record methods, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks or databases to aid with diagnoses, treatments, and public health initiatives.
- Enforce safety procedures You will follow and enforce strict protocols for biosafety, sterilization, and disposal of hazardous materials to ensure equipment and personnel safety.
- Prepare and present findings You will prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for colleagues, stakeholders, or publication.
- Supervise lab technicians You will practice lab safety, manage projects, and lead research effectively. You will need to know industry standards and how to coordinate team efforts in the lab.
Education
Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree
Most common program: Biology
Microbiologist - Microbiology
A mindmap-style diagram shows both typical and alternative pathways to enter into this role. It maps out different education and career steps, with routes that intersect. Select each step in the diagram to learn more.
Salary
- Entry level: 81000
- Mid level: 94800
- Senior level: 127700
Job outlook
Job openings: 10734
Demand: Rapid growth
- Rising demand for agricultural products fuels careers in biotech development in the agriculture sector. (The Global Agricultural Biologicals Market was valued at USD 29.87B in 2025.)
- Microbial engineering enables sustainable biofuel production as an alternative to fossil fuels. (Fossil fuel emissions must drop nearly 50% by 2030 to ensure a livable future.)
- The rising focus on antimicrobial resistance drives career growth in public health, environmental science, and policy-making. (Public health microbiology is expanding, with high demand for professionals in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.)
Quote
The best part of my job is making discoveries, getting to learn about something that almost nobody else knows about in that moment.
Dr. Richard Adeyemi, Microbiologist
Read Richard's story
Richard Adeyemi leads a cancer research lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, solving one of medicine's biggest puzzles: why some cancer cells resist chemotherapy. He studies how cells protect their DNA, because when that protection fails, mutations lead to cancer. His team is identifying the specific genes that make tumors either surrender to treatment or fight back. This work could unlock new therapies that save lives.
Related careers
Sources
, American Society for Microbiology. (2021, October). A Black woman’s journey in microbiology: A spotlight on Dr. Aisha Burton. , Barbady, A., Shabaninejad, H., Amini, S., & Moghnieh, R. (2015). Prosthetic-joint-associated Bordetella holmesii infection. Case Reports in Infectious Diseases, 2015, 1–3. Bates J., & Kerr, M. (2026) 2025 Microbiology Careers Salary Survey Report. The Institute for Association and Nonprofit Research. American Society for Microbiology. , Glassdoor. (2025, January 20). Microbiologist salary. , Grand View Research. (2021). Industrial microbiology market size, share & trends analysis report. , Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (2024). Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. , Mordor Intelligence. (2025). Agricultural biologicals market size & share analysis. , National Center for O*NET Development. (2015, January 20). Microbiologists: Summary report for 19-1022.00. , U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook.