Studies the trillions of microbes living in our guts, skin, and soil—and how they affect health.
Sequences DNA from hundreds of stool samples to learn which gut bacteria are linked to allergies. Tests whether a 'bacteria cocktail' can protect mice from infection.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in microbiology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Biology.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Estimate; young, growing field.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI handles much of the sequence analysis; sample studies, mouse tests and asking the right questions stay human.
Classes: AP Biology, Statistics, AP Computer Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.
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.