How to become a microbiologist

What the work looks like

Much of the work is lab testing in pharmaceuticals, food, water and public health, alongside research on infection and antimicrobial resistance. Quality control work is structured and regulated. Research work is less predictable and more open.

The official O*NET job description lists tasks such as:

• 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.

The route in

Pay in the US

The May 2025 national figures for microbiologists run from $54,670 at the 10th percentile to $150,000 at the 90th, with a median of $87,990 and a mean of $97,600. BLS projects employment growth of 6% over 2025-35 (faster than average), with about 1,500 openings a year.

If you do a PhD in this area

In 2025 the median research doctorate recipient in biological and biomedical sciences took 8.0 years from bachelor's degree, 6.3 years from starting graduate school and 5.7 years from starting the doctoral program.

In 2025, of 9,950 research doctorate recipients in biological and biomedical sciences, 5,460 reported a definite postgraduation commitment and 3,588 of those were postdoctoral study positions in the United States. That is 65.7% of those with a commitment.

In the UK

In the UK, clinical microbiology is a separate route through the NHS with its own training. University and industry routes are more like the US path. Check NHS Health Careers for the clinical training route.

ONS ASHE 2026 (provisional) gives median annual gross pay of £49,001 for full-time employees in SOC 2020 group 2112, biological scientists. This is a provisional figure from a small sample, so treat it as a rough guide.