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What is a microbiological laboratory technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
David Baum,
Max Haggblom Ph.D.
introduction image

A Microbiological Laboratory Technician is tasked with aiding other microbiologists in their scientific research and work by doing technical tests, experiments, and other tasks. They help in many ways, such as aiding in the development of analyzing and testing processes and procedures or identification of microorganisms found in samples of liquids and substances, such as viruses and bacteria.

They also do this by maintaining lab equipment, gathering samples, performing tests on microorganisms and samples, reporting on the results, maintaining databases, and performing other scientific research. A Technician usually works in research laboratories or institutions or labs within universities.

A potential candidate for a Microbiology Laboratory Technician will generally need to have a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or a closely related field of study, as well as a good understanding of testing procedures, good problem-solving and documenting skills, and previous experience with the handling of laboratory equipment. Further education and licensing may also be necessary.

What general advice would you give to a microbiological laboratory technician?

David BaumDavid Baum LinkedIn profile

Professor, Department of Botany Fellow, Wisconsin Institute for DIscovery, University of Wisconsin

Remember that despite their importance in providing all our food, oxygen, and other key resources, most people know very little about plants so, with a degree in Botany, you can stand out from the crowd. With a strong science and all the other skills you will have acquired as a student; you will have many directions to go in. Use all contacts and career services from your university to help you decide how best to parlay your scientific knowledge and skills into a career that excites you.
ScoreMicrobiological Laboratory TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,713

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.9

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.30%

Asian 15.23%

Black or African American 11.27%

Hispanic or Latino 13.95%

Unknown 6.00%

White 51.26%

Gender

female 63.97%

male 36.03%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress level
4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Microbiological laboratory technician career paths

Key steps to become a microbiological laboratory technician

  1. Explore microbiological laboratory technician education requirements

    Most common microbiological laboratory technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    78.6 %

    Associate

    11.7 %

    Master's

    5.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific microbiological laboratory technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Microbiology Lab9.40%
    Laboratory Procedures6.53%
    Aseptic Technique6.00%
    Lab Equipment5.97%
    Food Safety5.92%
  3. Complete relevant microbiological laboratory technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New microbiological laboratory technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a microbiological laboratory technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real microbiological laboratory technician resumes.
  4. Research microbiological laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

    • Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
    • Interpret titration curves, nmr graphs, IR spectroscopy and GC graphs.
    • Prepare bacterial, fungus and yeast cell cultures used for GLP testing under FDA/EPA guidelines.
    • contract )--cut fabric for testing--run Laund-Orometer--ICP, AA, titration
  5. Prepare your microbiological laboratory technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your microbiological laboratory technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a microbiological laboratory technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable microbiological laboratory technician resume templates

    Build a professional microbiological laboratory technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your microbiological laboratory technician resume.
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
    Microbiological Laboratory Technician Resume
  6. Apply for microbiological laboratory technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a microbiological laboratory technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first microbiological laboratory technician job

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Average microbiological laboratory technician salary

The average microbiological laboratory technician salary in the United States is $38,713 per year or $19 per hour. Microbiological laboratory technician salaries range between $29,000 and $50,000 per year.

Average microbiological laboratory technician salary
$38,713 Yearly
$18.61 hourly

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Microbiological laboratory technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I like doing research the most as a microbiologist. Leading the team, working with team is the most liking.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

I have always pushed for safe and more natural remedies to health problems. The use of microorganisms in research to solve problems is beautiful

Cons

None


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Cons

None


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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