Life, physical & social science · SOC 19-1022
Microbiologists
BLS projects 20,100 jobs in 2025 to become 21,400 by 2035 — +6.2%, against +3.5% across all occupations.
+6.2%
projected change to 2035
About 1,300 more jobs
1,500
openings a year
7.5% of the occupation a year, counting people who retire or move on
$87,990
median annual pay
Usually entered with: bachelor's degree
2025 to 2035
Employment at the start and end of the projection, in jobs.
- 2025 employment20,100
- 2035 projected21,400
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025–2035 projections.
Other life, physical & social science occupations
The largest occupations in the same group, by projected change to 2035.
- Medical scientists, except epidemiologists181,000+12.6%
- Occupational health and safety specialists143,100+18.5%
- Environmental scientists and specialists, including health93,400+6.1%
- Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other89,500+4.4%
- Chemists84,900+6.4%
- Clinical and counseling psychologists81,300+11.7%
- Biological technicians74,400+7.4%
- School psychologists64,000+0.8%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.