USA Career Guide- Microbiologists

Education and Training Required to be Microbiologists in the USA

Microbiologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field such as biochemistry or cell biology. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in biological sciences, including microbiology.

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 virology. It typically takes 4 to 6 years to complete a doctoral degree program in microbiology.

Training

To commence career many microbiology Ph.D. holders work in a temporary postdoctoral research position, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years. During their postdoctoral appointment, they work with experienced scientists as they continue to learn about their specialties or develop a broader understanding of related areas of research.
It gives an opportunity to  publish research  work that can be essential to get permanent position in basic research, especially a permanent faculty position in a college or university.

Job Prospects of Microbiologists in the USA

Employment of microbiologists is projected to increase by 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Microbiologists will be needed to research and develop new medicines and treatments, such as vaccines and antibiotics that are used to fight infectious diseases, to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop biological drugs that are produced with the aid of microorganisms.Finally, efforts to discover new and improved ways to clean up and preserve the environment also will increase demand for microbiologists.

Pay of Microbiologists in the USA

The median annual wage of microbiologists was $65,920 in May 2010.

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of microbiologists in May 2010 
Federal government, excluding postal service        $94,960
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences  $68,040
State government, excluding education and hospitals          $63,950
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing          $62,350
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state          $49,360

Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition


Industrial Overview of Microbiologists in the USA

Microbiologists held about 20,300 jobs in 2010. The industries employing the largest numbers of microbiologists in 2010 were as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences  25%
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing               23 %
Federal government, excluding postal service             14 %
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state   7 %
State government, excluding education and hospitals    7 %

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