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Clinical laboratory scientist and microbiologist: pay, job outlook and how to enter the field

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$87,990median pay per year, or $42.30 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $54,670lowest 10% earn less
  2. $67,10025th percentile
  3. $87,990median
  4. $122,35075th percentile
  5. $150,000top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Microbiologists earned a median of $87,990 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 6.2% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+6.2%[2]
Openings per year
1,500[5]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[6]

How much do microbiologists make?

BLS counts this work under the title Microbiologists. O*NET lists clinical laboratory scientist among the job titles workers in this category report[7]. The numbers below are for the whole BLS category.

The median pay was $87,990 a year, or $42.30 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more than that and half earned less. The average was higher, at $97,600 a year, or $46.92 an hour[8].

For all occupations in the US, the median was $50,980 a year[4]. The median for microbiologists was above that figure[1][4].

Share of workers paid less Annual Hourly
Lowest-paid 10% earned less than[3][9] $54,670 $26.28
Lowest-paid 25% earned less than[3][9] $67,100 $32.26
Median (half earned less)[1] $87,990 $42.30
Highest-paid 25% earned more than[3][9] $122,350 $58.82
Highest-paid 10% earned more than[3][9] $150,000 $72.12

BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[10]. A percentile is a boundary, so these rows show where pay splits the workforce and nothing about who sits where[10].

The data covers wage and salary workers. It leaves out the self-employed, and it does not count bonuses that are not tied to production or the cost of benefits such as health insurance[11].

Pay by state and city

Median pay differs a lot from place to place. Of the 42 states with published data, Massachusetts was listed first at $122,350, followed by California at $108,530, Maryland at $108,470, Georgia at $103,070 and New Jersey at $96,020[12]. Arkansas was listed last at $59,750[12].

California had the most jobs at 2,600[13]. Massachusetts had 1,960, Maryland 1,590, Illinois 1,470 and New York 1,050[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA was listed first at $130,070[14]. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA followed at $123,910, then Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $122,350[14].

Boston-Cambridge-Newton had the most metro jobs at 1,810[15]. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria had 1,370 and New York-Newark-Jersey City had 1,330[15].

Show median pay in 42 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Massachusetts[12]$122,3501,960
California$108,5302,600
Maryland$108,4701,590
Georgia$103,070880
New Jersey$96,020790
Illinois$92,0501,470
Oregon$89,220170
Montana$87,75080
Connecticut$86,360180
North Carolina$85,8601,050
Pennsylvania$84,650670
Minnesota$83,400290
Delaware$82,770190
Colorado$81,640370
New York$81,0901,050
Florida$80,930270
Iowa$79,830180
New Hampshire$79,430170
Michigan$78,680370
Missouri$78,590140
Indiana$77,900150
Virginia$77,820280
Washington$77,690340
Tennessee$77,630210
Alaska$76,32030
Utah$72,600120
Ohio$72,500530
Nebraska$72,47090
Hawaii$70,97060
South Dakota$70,53080
Kansas$70,500120
Arizona$69,88080
West Virginia$68,55040
Wisconsin$67,100420
Kentucky$66,50080
Texas$66,450920
Idaho$65,94070
Alabama$65,690110
South Carolina$64,740100
Nevada$64,490110
Mississippi$61,690n/a
Arkansas$59,750140

How to become a microbiologist

The typical path starts with a bachelor's degree. BLS lists no related work experience and no on-the-job training as typical[6].

1) Earn a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field such as biology[16]. 2) Expect courses such as microbial genetics, environmental microbiology and virology[17]. Some programs also ask for chemistry, physics and math[17]. 3) Get lab time[18]. Undergraduate programs typically include lab work, and internships are another way to gain practical experience[18]. 4) Consider graduate study[19][20]. Some employers prefer a master's degree or Ph.D., and some positions need one[19][20]. 5) After a Ph.D., people often take postdoctoral research positions[21].

Some employers prefer applicants with a certification. It is typically not required otherwise[22].

In an O*NET survey of 22 workers, 64% said a bachelor's degree is the level required, 14% said a master's degree, 9% said an associate's degree and 9% said a post-baccalaureate certificate[23]. The survey is small, so treat these shares as a rough guide.

O*NET places the job in Job Zone Four, which means considerable preparation is needed[24].

What microbiologists do

O*NET describes the work as studying tiny organisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi, including how they relate to disease[25]. Tasks include:

BLS also names communication, attention to detail, teamwork and logical thinking as important qualities[27][28][29][30].

Where they work

Microbiologists typically work in labs and offices, and in industrial or academic settings[31]. Some travel to collect samples in the field and may work outdoors[31]. Those who handle dangerous organisms follow safety procedures[31].

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences was the largest employer, at 21% of microbiologists in 2025[32]. BLS says most microbiologists work full time[33].

Research funding can add stress. Microbiologists often depend on grants that are awarded through a competitive process[34]. About 2% were self-employed in 2025[35].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of microbiologists to grow 6.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 20,100 to 21,400 jobs, a gain of 1,300[2]. For all occupations the projected growth is 3.5%[36]. The projection counts self-employed workers too[2].

BLS expects about 1,500 openings a year on average[5]. Openings include jobs created when workers retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 1.6% of workers leave the labor force and 4.9% move to a different occupation[37].

The wage data counts about 18,940 wage and salary jobs in May 2025[38]. The projection starts from a different count that includes the self-employed[2].

Is it a good fit?

The facts suggest this field suits people who are comfortable with a bachelor's degree in science as the usual entry point[6]. Pay was well above the all-occupation median, and the range was wide, from $54,670 at the 10th percentile to $150,000 at the 90th[1][4][3]. Where you live matters, since state medians ran from $59,750 to $122,350[12]. Projected growth is above the all-occupation rate, though the occupation is small[2][36][38]. Some people may also weigh the grant-funding pressure that BLS describes for research roles[34].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[39].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a microbiologist make an hour?
The median was $42.30 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $46.92[1][8].
What degree do you need to be a microbiologist?
The typical entry level is a bachelor's degree, in microbiology or a related field such as biology[6][16]. Some employers prefer a master's degree or Ph.D.[19].
Is microbiology in demand?
BLS projects 6.2% growth from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations, with about 1,500 openings a year[2][36][5].
What is the highest paying state for microbiologists?
Massachusetts is listed first, with a median of $122,350 a year[12]. California follows at $108,530[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Microbiologists in the US was $87,990 per year and $42.30 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Microbiologists is projected to grow 6.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 20,100 to 21,400 jobs (a change of +1,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Microbiologists: 10th percentile $54,670, 25th percentile $67,100, 75th percentile $122,350, 90th percentile $150,000. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 1,500 openings for Microbiologists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Microbiologists: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  7. O*NET 19-1022.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Public Health Microbiologist, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist). O*NET OnLine
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Microbiologists was $97,600 per year and $46.92 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Microbiologists: 10th percentile $26.28, 25th percentile $32.26, 75th percentile $58.82, 90th percentile $72.12. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Microbiologists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Microbiologists jobs: California 2,600; Massachusetts 1,960; Maryland 1,590; Illinois 1,470; New York 1,050. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Microbiologists (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $130,070; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $123,910; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $122,350; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $114,800; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $112,470; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $109,320; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $108,900; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $101,990. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Microbiologists jobs: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 1,810 (median $122,350); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 1,370 (median $114,800); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 1,330 (median $85,710); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 1,240 (median $100,620); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 780 (median $100,420); San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 700 (median $130,070). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET 19-1022.00 survey of workers (22 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 64%, Master's Degree 14%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 9%, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 9% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET 19-1022.00: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET description of Microbiologists. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Microbiologists. O*NET OnLine
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of microbiologists in 2025: Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 21%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Employment Projections: 2% of Microbiologists were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Microbiologists: 1.6% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.9% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 18,940 people were employed as Microbiologists in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  39. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.