Microbiologists
Microbiologists study microscopic organisms including bacteria, algae, and fungi to understand their growth, structure, and characteristics. Medical microbiologists examine how these organisms relate to disease and how antibiotics affect them. Microbiologists work in laboratories at hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, government agencies, and food production facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against microbiologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A microbiologist's week involves culturing organisms in controlled environments, examining samples under microscopes, and analyzing experimental results. Tasks include setting up bacterial cultures, documenting observations, running diagnostic tests, and recording data in lab notebooks. Some time goes to literature review, collaborating with colleagues on findings, and troubleshooting equipment issues. The work follows established protocols and requires careful attention to contamination control and safety procedures.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to like this work if you're curious about how things work at a biological level and prefer hands-on investigation in structured settings. You do well when you're systematic and detail-oriented, comfortable with scientific equipment, and motivated by solving concrete problems rather than abstract theory.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Microbiologist · Food and Drug Administration · Silver Spring, Maryland · $107446–$139684
- Microbiologist · Veterans Health Administration · Madison, Wisconsin · $61716–$80249
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $97,930 | $122,350 | $142,220 | 1,960 |
| California | $80,060 | $108,530 | $141,360 | 2,600 |
| Maryland | $77,810 | $108,470 | $140,670 | 1,590 |
| Georgia | $87,990 | $103,070 | $126,300 | 880 |
| New Jersey | $80,010 | $96,020 | $112,860 | 790 |
| Illinois | $66,770 | $92,050 | $112,210 | 1,470 |
| Oregon | $77,320 | $89,220 | $102,970 | 170 |
| Montana | $62,940 | $87,750 | $133,470 | 80 |
| Connecticut | $67,960 | $86,360 | $108,490 | 180 |
| North Carolina | $66,630 | $85,860 | $111,200 | 1,050 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,280 | $84,650 | $105,110 | 670 |
| Minnesota | $70,840 | $83,400 | $110,580 | 290 |
All 42 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Technologist in Microbiology (M(ASCP)) — American Society for Clinical Pathology
- Diplomate of Medical Microbiology — American Board of Medical Microbiology
- Council-certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) — American Council for Accredited Certification
- Council-certified Microbial Investigator (CMI) — American Council for Accredited Certification
- Council-certified Structural Mold Investigator (CSMI) — American Council for Accredited Certification
- Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) — American Council for Accredited Certification
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against microbiologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-1022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.