Microbiologists
SOC Code: 19-1022
Microbiologists carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $87,330 and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 36% AI exposure, Microbiologists sits 1 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 56% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Microbiologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Microbiologists has ai exposure of 36%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Microbiologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Microbiologists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Microbiologists (SOC 19-1022) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 20,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $87,330, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Microbiologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- 2. Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- 5. Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- 6. Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- 7. Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- 8. Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- 9. Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
- 10. Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
Key Skills Required
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Microbiologists?
Microbiologists has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Microbiologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Microbiologists is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Microbiologists?
Key skills for Microbiologists include Science, Reading Comprehension, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Microbiologists earn?
The median annual wage for Microbiologists is $87,330, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Microbiologists?
The typical entry-level education for Microbiologists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Microbiologists?
Microbiologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).