SOC 19-1022
Microbiologists
Risk Score
⚠️40/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥19,760
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$87K
$51K – $151K
Projected Growth
📈+4.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖84/100
High exposure
💡 Microbiologists face a risk score of 40/100 — 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 →
💡 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 →
🔍 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 →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
AI-accelerated data analysis and pattern recognition
Robotic sample preparation and experimentation
🛡️ 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
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 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% |