Also called: Clinical Microbiologist (PhD)
Runs a hospital's microbiology lab, overseeing the tests that identify which germ is making a patient sick.
Reviews unusual results—like a superbug resistant to most antibiotics—and calls doctors to advise on treatment. Sets lab policies and trains staff.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 12 years after high school. PhD in microbiology plus a 2-year clinical fellowship and board certification (ABMM).
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Science.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). Estimate.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Automated ID machines and AI plate reading grow; the board-certified director advising doctors and setting policy stays essential.
Classes: AP Biology, Chemistry, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1022.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.