Studies bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other tiny organisms—how they live, spread, and affect us.
Streaks bacteria onto petri dishes, then checks the next day which ones survived an experimental antibiotic. Uses a microscope and DNA tests to identify a mystery microbe from a hospital sample.
BLS May 2024 (approx).
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in microbiology or biology for entry roles; PhD for independent research.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). BLS 2024-34 (approx).
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated plate readers and AI identify microbes faster; designing experiments and puzzling out odd results stay human.
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.