Microbiologists
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi.
About the profession
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
How to Get Started
Take a personality test to see if Microbiologists fits your profile
Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
Jump to Career Path →Start learning — check the Learning Path for free courses
Jump to Learning Path →Personality Fit
Based on the Microbiologists role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
Not sure if these types match you? Take the full RIASEC assessment (12-15 min) to discover your personality profile and see how it aligns with hundreds of careers.
Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Microbiologist → Associate Microbiologist → Senior Microbiologist → Lead Microbiologist
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
147K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $49,070 - $73,670/year With equity/bonuses: $53,977 - $88,404 Top markets (SF/NYC): $56,430 - $88,404 Execute core tasks using Science under…
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $34,349 - $66,303 Year 2-3: Junior level $73,670 - $93,357 Year 4-6: Mid level $93,357 - $101,218 Year 7-10: Senior level $101,218 - $129,014 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Microbiologist genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Science and Reading Comprehension You communicate clearly with diverse…
💰 Salary Range
US dataSign up to see salary data
Create Free Account🎯 Is Microbiologists right for you?
Take these tests to find out if this career matches your personality:
Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types