How to Become a Microbiologist
Study bacteria, viruses, and fungi to advance medicine, food safety, and biotechnology. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $87,990 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$87,990/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
1,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Culturing Techniques
- Microscopy
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Technical Writing
Helpful certifications
- ASCP certification (clinical track)
- RM (NRCM Registered Microbiologist)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Physicist$172,250 median
- Natural Sciences Manager$167,220 median
- Biochemist$127,410 median
- Biostatistician$105,650 median
- Statistician$105,650 median
- Biomedical Scientist / Researcher$103,410 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Microbiologist make?
The median pay for a Microbiologist is $87,990 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Microbiologist?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Microbiology, Biology, and Biochemistry.
Is Microbiologist a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 1,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Microbiologist use most?
Common skills for this role are Culturing Techniques, Microscopy, Science, Critical Thinking, and Technical Writing.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.