How much does a microbiologist make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, extra education or specialty certification, and the kind of employer, such as a government lab, university, or testing lab. Location, specialized tasks, responsibility, and work hours or shifts can matter too.

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

What's a typical day like?

They collect samples, grow and identify microbes in lab dishes with microscopes and other tools, then record and analyze results. They may write reports or share findings with teammates, following safety rules around risky microbes.

In the U.S., most microbiologists earn a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field, with lab courses and often an internship. Some roles prefer a master’s or Ph.D.; certification is usually optional, and people usually start after college.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

NASA and Boeing made the first identification of unknown bacteria in space, aboard the International Space Station, using portable DNA tools.