Studies microbes in soil, water, and air—including ones that clean up oil spills and pollution.
Collects water samples from a river near a factory, tests for harmful bacteria, and studies microbes that can break down chemicals.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's or master's in microbiology or environmental science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Microbiology, Environmental Science.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). Estimate.
Low risk for 10 years. DNA sequencing and AI identify microbes faster; field sampling at rivers and sites and cleanup projects stay human.
Classes: AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Chemistry.
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.