Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace microbiologists?AI replacement risk 63% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$87,990
25th–75th pct. $67,100–$122,350
Top pay (est.)
$195,000
Top 10% $150,000
Pay in 5 years
$100,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$115,100est.
$99,000–$133,600
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
63%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.2%
1,500 openings / yr

Will AI replace Microbiologists? AI replacement risk

63%
High
Ranked #678 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Microbiologists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
5.1
Science
5.0
Writing
4.9
Critical Thinking
4.6
Active Learning
4.5
Active Listening
4.1
Speaking
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Biology
6.1
Chemistry
4.8
Education and Training
4.7
Computers and Electronics
4.6
English Language
4.5
Mathematics
4.2
Administrative
4.0
Administration and Management
3.7

What the work involves

Processing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAnalyzing Data or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Inductive ReasoningOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
64%
Master's degree
14%
Associate's degree
9%
Post-bachelor's certificate
9%
Post-doctoral training
5%

Training before entry

1–3 months
41%
None / short demo
14%
6–12 months
14%
3–6 months
14%
Up to 1 month
14%
1–2 years
5%

Related work experience

6–12 months
36%
2–4 years
23%
1–2 years
18%
1–3 months
9%
None
5%
6–8 years
5%
3–6 months
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.