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What is a microbiology laboratory manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Microbiology laboratories examine, identify, and test for microorganisms such as bacteria. They often do vital work in the medical field, for example by testing for pesticides, and in other fields. A microbiology laboratory manager makes sure that the work in a lab goes smoothly.

Usually, a microbiology laboratory manager takes care of all of the logistical concerns in a microbiology lab so that scientists can focus on their tests. This can include scheduling staff, making sure that the lab is following their budget and safety procedures. Sometimes, they also get to work hands-on with the samples themselves.

Microbiology laboratory managers need to know a lot about microbiology in order to make sure that lab procedures are done properly, which is why many have master's degrees in microbiology or a related field. They also have excellent administrative skills and plenty of lab experience.

ScoreMicrobiology Laboratory ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.4

Avg. Salary $94,179

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 10.15%

Black or African American 2.59%

Hispanic or Latino 15.39%

Unknown 7.61%

White 63.74%

Gender

female 54.72%

male 45.28%

Age - 43.5
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 - 43.5
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Microbiology laboratory manager career paths

Key steps to become a microbiology laboratory manager

  1. Explore microbiology laboratory manager education requirements

    Most common microbiology laboratory manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.3 %

    Master's

    21.9 %

    Associate

    4.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific microbiology laboratory manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    QC7.12%
    FDA6.33%
    Microbiology Lab5.36%
    Environmental Monitoring5.06%
    Laboratory Operations4.87%
  3. Complete relevant microbiology laboratory manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New microbiology laboratory managers 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 microbiology laboratory manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real microbiology laboratory manager resumes.
  4. Research microbiology laboratory manager duties and responsibilities

    • Set up forensic DNA laboratory, train laboratory technicians in advance molecular techniques, and manage day-to-day activities of forensic DNA laboratory
    • Assist with client and regulatory quality GMP audits.
    • Purchase and implement new non-viable particle counters to support ISO certification.
    • Perform GMP audits of suppliers, ensuring that they meet internal expectations for quality.
  5. Prepare your microbiology laboratory manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your microbiology laboratory manager 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 microbiology laboratory manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable microbiology laboratory manager resume templates

    Build a professional microbiology laboratory manager 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 microbiology laboratory manager resume.
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
    Microbiology Laboratory Manager Resume
  6. Apply for microbiology laboratory manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a microbiology laboratory manager 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 microbiology laboratory manager job

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Average microbiology laboratory manager salary

The average microbiology laboratory manager salary in the United States is $94,179 per year or $45 per hour. Microbiology laboratory manager salaries range between $65,000 and $135,000 per year.

Average microbiology laboratory manager salary
$94,179 Yearly
$45.28 hourly

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Microbiology laboratory manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Keeping my lab in compliance with the local and state laws and communicating with the health care personals.

Cons

I like everything


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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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