Annual Salary
£18,821 to £47,642
Average UK salary in 2019 was £30,378
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Microbiologists study micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae.
Average UK salary in 2019 was £30,378
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: between 8am and 6pm; flexibly
There will be
3% more Microbiologist jobs in 2026.
In your local area
As part of your day-to-day duties, you might:
You might also:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work at a university or in a laboratory.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a degree in a subject like microbiology, biology or biological science.
Some employers may ask for a relevant postgraduate qualification and work experience.
You may be able to do an integrated postgraduate master's qualification like a MBiolSci, MBiol or MSci. These courses include independent research and can lead onto further postgraduate study for a PhD.
If you want to work in the NHS as a microbiologist, you could apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to start by doing a laboratory scientist or research scientist degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
You may find it possible to get into microbiology by working your way up from a laboratory technician job. You would usually study part-time for a relevant science degree or degree apprenticeship while you work.
You could improve your career prospects if you get some work experience. This could be with the NHS, as part of a sandwich degree course or through a placement with a company during the holidays. Your university can advise you on voluntary opportunities.
You can find out more about professional registration as a scientist from the Science Council.
You can get more advice about working in microbiology from the Microbiology Society and Health Careers.
You could move into lab management, research or teaching.
In the NHS you could progress to specialist, team manager and consultant.
You could also offer consultancy services in areas like pharmaceutical sales, publishing and law.
The Microbiology Society and the Society for Applied Microbiology offer grants to support students looking for work experience.
You'll need: