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Microbiologists

What they do

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.

Recommended education
Recommended education
For this career, most jobs require this level of education. It may be possible to qualify for some jobs without this level of education. Recommendation provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Bachelor's Degree
Explore programs for this career
Projected growth
Projected growth

This is the expected change in employment for this career in the selected county or state. For example, if a career is expected to double from 100 jobs to 200 jobs, this would show 100%. Due to how projected growth is reported, similar careers may show the same percentage.

These numbers represent the latest 10-year projection period (2018-2028). Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

N/AN/A

Expected pay range

Expected pay range

This represents the median earnings for this career in the selected county or state. In the range shown, 25% of workers earned less than the bottom salary and 25% earned more than the top salary. Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

About microbiologists

Other titles

Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Public Health Microbiologist, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist), Research Microbiologist, Research Specialist

Tasks they perform

  • Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
  • Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.

Skills they need

  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Licenses and Certifications

How to decide which one is right? That depends on an individual’s career path, specialty, and resources.



Certifications

Certifications may be available for this career and can help build knowledge and skills in specific job roles. Explore available certifications (external link opens new tab)

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Better pay

Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

In demand

In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Physicians, Pathologists
Better pay

Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

In demand

In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

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