Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Recognition
- Achievement
- Independence
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Initiative
Tasks
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
- Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Medical software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Category Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Registered MicrobiologistCertifying Organization
National Registry of Certified Microbiologists
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Council-certified Microbial RemediatorCertifying Organization
American Council for Accredited Certification
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Registered Hazardous and Chemical Materials ManagerCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Industrial Environmental ToxicologistCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Diplomate of Medical MicrobiologyCertifying Organization
American Board of Medical Microbiology
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $69,647 |
| Median (50%) | $85,140 |
| High (90%) | $111,604 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $81,166 |
| Mid Level | $94,103 |
| Senior Level | $108,959 |
| Expert Level | $135,646 |
Employability
There are currently 23,200 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 24,800 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
Career Resources
Search All Careers
Compare Careers
Income Outlook
Career Pathways
Career Clusters
Job Suite Home
CV Templates
Resume Templates
Cover Letter Templates
All Templates
Job Resources
Blog Articles
Podcast