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To be a microbiologist you need at least a bachelors degree in microbiology.
A must to have laboratory experience before workforce.
A famous microbiologist is Louis Pasteur, he had the germ theory

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Summary

Quick Facts: Microbiologists
2019 Median Pay

$75,650 per year
$36.37 per hour

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.

Microbiologists work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct scientific experiments and analyze the results. Most microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours.

A bachelor's degree in microbiology or a closely related field is needed for entry-level microbiologist jobs. A Ph.D. is typically needed to carry out independent research and to work in colleges and universities.

The median annual wage for microbiologists was $75,650 in May 2019.

Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to contribute to basic research, solve problems encountered in industrial production processes, and monitor environmental conditions to ensure public health and safety.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for microbiologists.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of microbiologists with similar occupations.

Learn more about microbiologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments.

Duties

Microbiologists typically do the following:

Plan and conduct complex research projects, such as improving sterilization procedures or developing new drugs to combat infectious diseases

Perform laboratory experiments that are used in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses

Supervise the work of biological technicians and other workers and evaluate the accuracy of their results

Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms for study

Identify and classify microorganisms found in specimens collected from humans, plants, animals, or the environment

Monitor the effect of microorganisms on plants, animals, other microorganisms, or the environment

Review literature and the findings of other researchers and attend conferences

Prepare technical reports, publish research papers, and make recommendations based on their research findings

Present research findings to scientists, nonscientist executives, engineers, other colleagues, and the public

Many microbiologists work in research and development conducting basic research or applied research. The aim of basic research is to increase scientific knowledge. An example is growing strains of bacteria in various conditions to learn how they react to those conditions. Other microbiologists conduct applied research and develop new products to solve particular problems. For example, microbiologists may aid in the development of genetically engineered crops, better biofuels, or new vaccines.

Microbiologists use computers and a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory instruments to do their experiments. Electron microscopes are used to study bacteria, and advanced computer software is used to analyze the growth of microorganisms found in samples.

It is increasingly common for microbiologists to work on teams with technicians and scientists in other fields, because many scientific research projects involve multiple disciplines. Microbiologists may work with medical scientists or molecular biologists while researching new drugs, or they may work in medical diagnostic laboratories alongside physicians and nurses to help prevent, treat, and cure diseases.

The following are examples of types of microbiologists:

Bacteriologists study the growth, development, and other properties of bacteria, including the positive and negative effects that bacteria have on plants, animals, and humans.

Clinical microbiologists perform a wide range of clinical laboratory tests on specimens collected from plants, humans, and animals to aid in detection of disease. Clinical and medical microbiologists whose work involves directly researching human health may be classified as medical scientists.

Environmental microbiologists study how microorganisms interact with the environment and each other. They may study the use of microbes to clean up areas contaminated by heavy metals or study how microbes could aid crop growth.

Industrial microbiologists study and solve problems related to industrial production processes. They may examine microbial growth found in the pipes of a chemical factory, monitor the impact industrial waste has on the local ecosystem, or oversee the microbial activities used in cheese production to ensure quality.

Mycologists study the properties of fungi such as yeast and mold. They also study the ways fungi can be used to benefit society (for example, in food or the environment) and the risks fungi may pose.

Parasitologists study the life cycle of parasites, the parasite-host relationship, and how parasites adapt to different environments. They may investigate the outbreak and control of parasitic diseases such as malaria.

Public health microbiologists examine specimens to track, control, and prevent communicable diseases and other health hazards. They typically provide laboratory services for local health departments and community health programs.

Virologists study the structure, development, and other properties of viruses and any effects viruses have on infected organisms.

Many people with a microbiology background become high school teachers or postsecondary teachers.

Microbiologists held about 20,200 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of microbiologists were as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences

23%

Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private

13

Federal government, excluding postal service

12

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

11

State government, excluding education and hospitals

7

Microbiologists typically work in laboratories, offices, and industrial settings where they conduct experiments and analyze the results. Microbiologists who work with dangerous organisms must follow strict safety procedures to avoid contamination. Some microbiologists may conduct onsite visits or collect samples from the environment or worksites, and, as a result, may travel occasionally and spend some time outside.

Basic researchers who work in academia usually choose the focus of their research and run their own laboratories. Applied researchers who work for companies study the products that the company will sell or suggest modifications to the production process so that the company can become more efficient. Basic researchers often need to fund their research by winning grants. These grants often put pressure on researchers to meet deadlines and other specifications. Research grants are generally awarded through a competitive selection process.

Work Schedules

Most microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours.

A bachelor's degree in microbiology or a closely related field is needed for entry-level microbiologist jobs. A Ph.D. is needed to carry out independent research and to work in universities.

Education

Microbiologists need at least a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a closely related program that offers substantial coursework in microbiology, such as biochemistry or cell biology. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in biological sciences, including microbiology.

Most microbiology majors take core courses in microbial genetics and microbial physiology and elective classes such as environmental microbiology and virology. Students also should take classes in other sciences, such as biochemistry, chemistry, and physics, because it is important for microbiologists to have a broad understanding of the sciences. Courses in statistics, math, and computer science are important for microbiologists because they may need to do complex data analysis.

It is important for prospective microbiologists to have laboratory experience before entering the workforce. Most undergraduate microbiology programs include a mandatory laboratory requirement, but additional laboratory coursework is recommended. Students also can gain valuable laboratory experience through internships with prospective employers, such as drug manufacturers.

Microbiologists typically need a Ph.D. to carry out independent research and work in colleges and universities. Graduate students studying microbiology commonly specialize in a subfield such as bacteriology or immunology. Ph.D. programs usually include class work, laboratory research, and completing a thesis or dissertation.

Training

Many microbiology Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. During their postdoctoral appointment, they work with experienced scientists as they continue to learn about their specialties and develop a broader understanding of related areas of research.

Postdoctoral positions typically offer the opportunity to publish research findings. A solid record of published research is essential to getting a permanent college or university faculty position.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Microbiologists should be able to effectively communicate their research processes and findings so that knowledge may be applied correctly.

Detail oriented. Microbiologists must be able to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision.

Interpersonal skills. Microbiologists typically work on research teams and thus must work well with others toward a common goal. Many also lead research teams and must be able to motivate and direct other team members.

Logical-thinking skills. Microbiologists draw conclusions from experimental results through sound reasoning and judgment.

Math skills. Microbiologists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas in their work. Therefore, they need a broad understanding of math, including calculus and statistics.

Observation skills. Microbiologists must constantly monitor their experiments. They need to keep a complete, accurate record of their work, noting conditions, procedures, and results.

Perseverance. Microbiological research involves substantial trial and error, and microbiologists must not become discouraged in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Microbiologists use scientific experiments and analysis to find solutions to complex scientific problems.

Time-management skills. Microbiologists usually need to meet deadlines when conducting research and laboratory tests. They must be able to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently while maintaining their quality of work.

Advancement

Microbiologists typically receive greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience. They also gain greater responsibility through certification and higher education. Ph.D. microbiologists usually lead research teams and control the direction and content of projects.

Some microbiologists move into managerial positions, often as natural sciences managers. Those who pursue management careers spend much of their time on administrative tasks, such as preparing budgets and schedules.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Certifications are not mandatory for the majority of work done by microbiologists. However, certifications are available for clinical microbiologists and for those who specialize in the fields of food safety and quality and pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Certification may help workers gain employment in the occupation or advance to new positions of responsibility.

Median annual wages, May 2019

The median annual wage for microbiologists was $75,650 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $133,280.

In May 2019, the median annual wages for microbiologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service

$106,670

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences

101,100

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

67,990

State government, excluding education and hospitals

57,770

Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private

56,850

Most microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours.

Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to contribute to basic research and solve problems of industrial production.

Microbiologists will be needed to research and develop new medicines and treatments, such as vaccines and antibiotics. In addition, microbiologists will be needed to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop drugs that are produced with the aid of microorganisms.

Aside from improving health, other areas of research and development are expected to provide employment growth for microbiologists. Many companies, from food producers to chemical companies, will need microbiologists to ensure product quality and production efficiency. Efforts to find more clean sources of energy will involve microbiologists, such as mycologists and industrial microbiologists, who research and develop alternative energy sources such as biofuels and biomass. In agriculture, microbiologists will be needed to help develop genetically engineered crops that provide greater yields or require less pesticide and fertilizer. Finally, efforts to discover new and improved ways to preserve the environment and safeguard public health also will make use of microbiologists.

Job Prospects

Microbiology is a thriving field that should provide good prospects for qualified workers. Most of the applied research projects that microbiologists are involved in require the expertise of scientists in multiple fields such as geology, chemistry, and medicine. Microbiologists with some familiarity of other disciplines should have the best opportunities.

Much of basic research depends on funding from the federal government through the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Federal budgetary decisions and private capital availability will affect job prospects in basic research from year to year. There is strong competition among microbiologists for research funding. However, many opportunities for microbiologists are likely to be available.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2019

Projected Employment, 2029

Change, 2019-29

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Microbiologists

19-1022

20,200

20,900

3

600
Get data

Occupational Employment Statistics (OES)

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about microbiologists, visit
American Society for Microbiology International Union of Microbiological Societies Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
To find job openings for microbiologists in the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
For general information about careers and specialties in biological sciences, visit
American Institute of Biological Sciences The American Society for Cell Biology American Society for Clinical Pathology Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
For information about microbiologists' tools and activities, visit
Virtual Urchin
For more information about microbiological topics, visit
Microbiological Garden Tree of Life Web Project
O*NET
Microbiologists

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Quick Facts: Microbiologists 2019 Median Pay $75,650 per year $36.37 per hour Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. Microbiologists work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct scientific experiments and analyze the results. Most microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours.

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Do research projects, such as improving sterilization, and developing drugs to better fight off diseases.
They can work in laboratories and offices.

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Astronomers need a  PHD in astronomy.
The median Annual Salary is $105,000.
You also need 2-3 years of experience.
Margaret Burbidge is a famous astronomer.

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Sociologist data results can help teachers, social workers, etc with social problems.
Sociologist work environment is mostly in an office, but can be in other places when doing observations or research.
A famous Sociologist is Auguste Comte

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An astronomer uses mathematics  and physics, and applies those principles to the universe to learn about it.
Duties are things such as, testing scientific theories, writing research proposals, and analyzing data.

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Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFvy_Jll8eY.

Quick Facts: Sociologists
2021 Median Pay

$92,910 per year
$44.67 per hour

Sociologists study society and social behavior.

Sociologists typically work full time during regular business hours.

Sociologists typically need at least a master's degree to enter the occupation.

The median annual wage for sociologists was $92,910 in May 2021.

Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 300 openings for sociologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for sociologists.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sociologists with similar occupations.

Learn more about sociologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together.

Duties

Sociologists typically do the following:

Design research projects to test theories about social issues

Collect data through surveys, observations, interviews, and other sources

Analyze and draw conclusions from data

Prepare reports, articles, or presentations detailing their research findings

Collaborate with and advise other social scientists, policymakers, or other groups on research findings and sociological issues

Sociologists study human behavior, interaction, and organization. They observe the activity of social, religious, political, and economic groups, organizations, and institutions. They examine the effect of social influences, including organizations and institutions, on different individuals and groups. They also trace the origin and growth of these groups and interactions. For example, they may research the impact of a new law or policy on a specific demographic.

Sociologists often use both quantitative and qualitative methods when conducting research, and they frequently use statistical analysis programs during the research process.

Their research may help administrators, educators, lawmakers, and social workers to solve social problems and formulate public policy. Sociologists may specialize in a wide range of social topics, including, but not limited to:

education and health;

crime and poverty;

families and population;

and gender, racial, and ethnic relations.

Sociologists who specialize in crime may be called criminologists or penologists. These workersapply their sociological knowledge to conduct research and analyze penal systems and populations and to study the causes and effects of crime.

Many people with a sociology background become postsecondary teachers and high school teachers. Most others find work in related jobs outside the sociologist profession such as policy analysts, demographers, survey researchers, and statisticians.

Sociologists held about 3,000 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of sociologists were as follows:

Research and development in the social sciences and humanities

41%

State government, excluding education and hospitals

17

Educational services; state, local, and private

14

Self-employed workers

5

Sociologists typically work in an office. They may work outside of an office setting when conducting research through interviews or observations or presenting research results.

Work Schedules

Most sociologists work full time during regular business hours.

Sociologists typically need at least a master's degree to enter the occupation. Bachelor's degree holders may find positions in related fields, such as social services, education, or public policy.

Education

Sociologists typically need a master's degree or Ph.D. to enter the occupation. There are two types of sociology master's degree programs: traditional programs and applied, clinical, and professional programs. Traditional programs prepare students to enter a Ph.D. program. Applied, clinical, and professional programs prepare students to enter the workplace, teaching them the necessary analytical skills to perform sociological research in a professional setting.

Courses in research methods and statistics are important for candidates in both master's and Ph.D. programs. Many programs also offer opportunities to gain experience through internships or by preparing reports for clients.

Jobseekers who have a bachelor's degree in sociology may find entry-level positions in related fields, such as social services, education, or public policy.

Other Experience

Candidates with a bachelor's degree may benefit from internships or volunteer work when looking for entry-level positions in sociology or a related field. These types of opportunities give students a chance to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting and develop skills needed for the field.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Sociologists must be able to examine data and other information, often using statistical methods to test their theories.

Communication skills. Sociologists need strong communication skills when they conduct interviews, collaborate with colleagues, and write and present research results.

Critical-thinking skills. Sociologists design research projects and collect, process, and analyze information to draw logical conclusions about society and various groups of people.

Median annual wages, May 2021

The median annual wage for sociologists was $92,910 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $135,420.

In May 2021, the median annual wages for sociologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

State government, excluding education and hospitals

$105,120

Research and development in the social sciences and humanities

99,640

Educational services; state, local, and private

64,670

Most sociologists work full time during regular business hours.

Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 300 openings for sociologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Sociologists will continue to be needed to apply sociological research to other disciplines. For example, sociologists may collaborate with researchers in other social sciences, such as economists, psychologists, and survey researchers, to study how social structures or groups influence policy decisions about health, education, politics, criminal justice, business, or economics.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2021

Projected Employment, 2031

Change, 2021-31

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Sociologists

19-3041

3,000

3,100

5

200
Get data

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about careers in sociology, visit
American Sociological Association
O*NET
Sociologists

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFvy_Jll8eY. Quick Facts: Sociologists 2021 Median Pay $92,910 per year $44.67 per hour Sociologists study society and social behavior. Sociologists typically work full time during regular business hours. Sociologists typically need at least a master's degree to enter the occupation. The median annual wage for sociologists was $92,910 in May 2021.

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Study of human behavior, lives, interaction, etc. They collect data through surveys and interviews. Also observations of social, religious, economical,  and political gatherings

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Sept. 1st 2020