NinetoNext

← Career directory · Science

Microbiologists

Studies bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.

Typical education to startBachelor's degree
Job outlook2025–2035: +6%
Median pay$87,990 a year (2025)
Interest codeIRC Investigative, Realistic, Conventional

Read the full guide

Microbiologists study microbes to fight disease, make vaccines and medicines, keep food and water safe, and use microbes in industry. They work in labs at hospitals, drug and food companies, government and universities.

Open the microbiologist guide

The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.

High school courses that build toward it

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Microbiologists on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.