Rankings β†’ Will AI Replace…

Will AI Replace Microbiologists?

40/100 β€” Moderate
SOC 19-1022

πŸ’‘ Microbiologists have a composite risk score of 40/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 1%, GenAI exposure: 84/100). With 19,760 workers in the US, this occupation faces moderate but manageable AI pressure. Full occupation profile β†’

🎯 The Verdict

Partially. Some tasks will be automated, but the core role will likely adapt and evolve.

With 19,760 workers and a median wage of $87K,microbiologists represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 84%, meaning a majority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.

Risk Score

40/100

Employment

19,760

Median Wage

$87K

GenAI Exposure

84%

⚠️ Top Risk Factors

1.

Large language model automation of analysis tasks

2.

AI-accelerated data analysis and pattern recognition

3.

Robotic sample preparation and experimentation

πŸ›‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace

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Designing novel experiments and research methodologies

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Collaborative scientific discourse and peer review

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Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise

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Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments

πŸ”„ Career Transition Paths

Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:

Dentists, All Other Specialists

59% skills overlap Β· $226K median wage

13/100

Social Scientists and Related Workers

83% skills overlap Β· $93K median wage

21/100

Political Scientists

75% skills overlap Β· $139K median wage

25/100

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI completely replace microbiologists?

Partially. Some tasks will be automated, but the core role will likely adapt and evolve.

What is the AI risk score for microbiologists?

Microbiologists have a composite AI automation risk score of 40 out of 100, classified as "Moderate".

How many microbiologists are there in the US?

There are approximately 19,760 microbiologists employed in the United States.

What do microbiologists earn?

The median annual wage for microbiologists is $87K.

What skills should microbiologists develop?

Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: designing novel experiments and research methodologies, collaborative scientific discourse and peer review, interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise, fieldwork in unstructured natural environments. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.