DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
19-1022 Microbiologists
Occupational Description:
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.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| EDR 8 - Southwest | 10 | 5 | $27.96/hr | $1.26/hr | $19.34/hr | $21.77/hr | $26.19/hr | $31.26/hr | $42.49/hr |
| Minnesota | 420 | 53 | $32.93/hr | $1.02/hr | $19.48/hr | $23.94/hr | $31.29/hr | $41.27/hr | $47.47/hr |
| U S | 17,660 | 777 | $35.23/hr | $0.74/hr | $19.34/hr | $23.41/hr | $32.04/hr | $44.28/hr | $56.84/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | 40 | $28.45/hr | N/A |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 30 | $26.14/hr | N/A |
| Agricultural and Food Science Technicians | 20 | $13.33/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Microbiologists
- Studies growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other micro-organisms.
- Conducts chemical analyses of substances, such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.
- Prepares technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
- Researches use of bacteria and micro-organisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
- Isolates and makes cultures of bacteria or other micro-organisms in prescribed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- Examines physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify micro- organisms.
- Observes action of micro-organisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other micro- organisms, and on dead organic matter.
- Studies growth structure and development of viruses and rickettsiae.