SOC 19-1022
Microbiologists
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ40/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ19,760
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$87K
$51K โ $151K
Projected Growth
๐+4.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค84/100
High exposure
๐ก Microbiologists face a risk score of 40/100 โ 4 points below the national average of 44. With 84/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $87K ($41K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 40/100, Microbiologists faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like large language model automation of analysis tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 19,760 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in designing novel experiments and research methodologies and collaborative scientific discourse and peer review to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Microbiologists?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
AI-accelerated data analysis and pattern recognition
Robotic sample preparation and experimentation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Designing novel experiments and research methodologies
Collaborative scientific discourse and peer review
Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise
Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
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.
Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Information retrieval or search software
Medical software
Data base user interface and query software
Electronic mail software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Biology
Chemistry
English Language
Computers and Electronics
Education and Training
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 59% |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 83% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 75% |