Microbiology is the study of small organisms, most of which are too small to be seen by the naked eye, although some colonial bacteria, parasites and many fungi are readily visible without a microscope. These organisms include bacteria, archaea, small eukaryotes including phytoplankton, zooplankton, parasites and fungi, and viruses.
Position Title | Projected Growth (2014-2024) | Preparation Required | 2015 Median Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Geographers
Position Description:Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$74,920 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 5 | $74,920 per year |
Animal Scientists
Position Description:Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$71,830 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 5 | $71,830 per year |
Industrial Ecologists
Position Description:Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$73,930 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 5 | $73,930 per year |
Geneticists
Position Description:Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$77,190 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 5 | $77,190 per year |
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Position Description:Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$77,190 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 5 | $77,190 per year |
Biochemical Engineers
Position Description:Develop usable, tangible products, using knowledge of biology, chemistry, or engineering. Solve problems related to materials, systems, or processes that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, or biological materials.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$98,150 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $98,150 per year |
Coroners
Position Description:Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$69,180 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $69,180 per year |
Fish and Game Wardens
Position Description:Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$54,970 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $54,970 per year |
Floral Designers
Position Description:Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$27,010 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 2 | $27,010 per year |
Microbiologists
Position Description:Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$76,230 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $76,230 per year |
Food Scientists and Technologists
Position Description:Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$72,030 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $72,030 per year |
Water Resource Specialists
Position Description:Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$136,570 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $136,570 per year |
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Position Description:Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$64,230 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $64,230 per year |
Aquacultural Managers
Position Description:Direct and coordinate, through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities of workers engaged in fish hatchery production for corporations, cooperatives, or other owners.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$69,880 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $69,880 per year |
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Position Description:Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$93,390 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $93,390 per year |
Conservation Scientists
Position Description:Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$63,800 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $63,800 per year |
Foresters
Position Description:Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$60,650 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $60,650 per year |
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors
Position Description:Perform various tasks to arrange and direct funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$52,990 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $52,990 per year |
Soil and Water Conservationists
Position Description:Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$63,800 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $63,800 per year |
Technical Writers
Position Description:Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$73,350 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $73,350 per year |
Environmental Engineers
Position Description:Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$88,040 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $88,040 per year |
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Position Description:Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$92,540 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $92,540 per year |
Marine Engineers
Position Description:Design, develop, and take responsibility for the installation of ship machinery and related equipment including propulsion machines and power supply systems.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$100,090 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $100,090 per year |
Pharmacy Technicians
Position Description:Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$31,680 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 3 | $31,680 per year |
Chiropractors
Position Description:Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$78,370 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $78,370 per year |
Dentists, General
Position Description:Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$172,350 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $172,350 per year |
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Position Description:Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$58,410 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $58,410 per year |
Allergists and Immunologists
Position Description:Diagnose, treat, and help prevent allergic diseases and disease processes affecting the immune system.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$197,700 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $197,700 per year |
Dental Hygienists
Position Description:Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$72,720 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 3 | $72,720 per year |
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Position Description:Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$45,730 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 3 | $45,730 per year |
Neurologists
Position Description:Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$197,700 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $197,700 per year |
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
Position Description:Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$35,430 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 3 | $35,430 per year |
Pathologists
Position Description:Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$197,700 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $197,700 per year |
Physician Assistants
Position Description:Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$99,270 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $99,270 per year |
Veterinarians
Position Description:Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$99,000 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $99,000 per year |
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Direct and coordinate, through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities of workers engaged in fish hatchery production for corporations, cooperatives, or other owners.
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Develop usable, tangible products, using knowledge of biology, chemistry, or engineering. Solve problems related to materials, systems, or processes that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, or biological materials.
Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent allergic diseases and disease processes affecting the immune system.
Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Design, develop, and take responsibility for the installation of ship machinery and related equipment including propulsion machines and power supply systems.
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Perform various tasks to arrange and direct funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Explore career information and other resources specifically tailored to Microbiology majors.
Career Development Center
A110 Kerr Admin Building, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-4085 • Contact Us
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.