Annual Salary
£23,000 to £45,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Maths or STEM or go back to all job sectors or go to green jobs
Swap to Maths or STEM or go back to all job sectors or go to green jobs
Microbiologists study organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae to make advances in environmental science, medicine and agriculture.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: between 8am and 6pm; flexibly
There will be
2.4% more Microbiologist jobs in 2027.
As a microbiologist, you could:
Possible green job
This job could help the environment.
For a microbiologist to be a green job, you could:
Find out more about green careers
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work at a university or in a laboratory.
You can get into this job through:
To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:
Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiol or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
Training programme for the NHS
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 train on the job, get paid a salary and receive a master's degree at the end.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to become a microbiologist by doing an apprenticeship, for example:
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You might be able to get into microbiology by working your way up from a laboratory technician.
You would need to study part time for a biological science degree or degree apprenticeship while you work.
You may improve your career prospects if you can get some work experience in a lab.
You can find opportunities with the NHS, as part of your degree course or by working during the holidays. Your university can also help you find volunteering opportunities.
You can join the Microbiology Society to get professional recognition, find training opportunities and make new contacts.
You can get more advice about working in microbiology from the Microbiology Society and Health Careers.
With experience, you could:manage a team of microbiologists and technicians; move into commercial research and development; teach at university; offer consultancy services
In the NHS, you could progress to specialist, team manager and consultant.
The Microbiology Society and the Society for Applied Microbiology offer grants to support students looking for work experience.
Microbiologists may be involved in research into the use microorganisms to control pollution and develop biofuels.
Click here to find a local provider
Click here to search for a local apprenticeship
Click here to search for other university courses
Click here for an explanation of the different course and apprenticeship levels.
For more local employment opportunities see the 'Live job vacancies by region' section above.
You'll need: