Salary Range
$25,000 to $100,000+Overview
Microbiologists are scientists who study living things that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and viruses, as well as human and animal cells. They examine the effects these microorganisms and infectious agents have on people, animals, plants, and the environment. They are interested in learning about microorganisms that cause diseases, how microorganisms can be used to treat and prevent diseases, and ways microorganisms can be used in developing products. Microbiologists are a subspecialty of biological scientists. Approximately 21,700 microbiologists are employed in the United States.
Minimum Education Level
Bachelor's DegreeCertification/License
RecommendedOutlook
About as Fast as the AveragePersonality Traits
Problem-Solving
Scientific
Technical
Career Ladder
Laboratory Director, or Professor, or Independent Consultant
Microbiologist
Research Assistant
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