Chemists vs Microbiologists: Similar Median Pay, Different Work

Chemists vs Microbiologists: what changes?

Consider Chemists if you want to conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. Consider Microbiologists if you would rather investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Both list bachelor's degree; compare training and prior experience separately.

Try this next: Compare three local entry-level postings for Chemists and Microbiologists. List the duties, credentials, prior experience, and paid training each employer actually asks for. Try a supervised class or sample project from each field before choosing a program.

BLS 2025 wages and 2025–2035 projections. National medians are not starting offers. Occupation size is not a count of vacancies. View the BLS data.

Compare the practical differences

Chemists

National median pay (2025): $91,240
Route into the job: Bachelor's degree
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.
Work to investigate: Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 5,900

Know before you choose

Review the full career brief for day-to-day working conditions.

See the full Chemists brief

Microbiologists

National median pay (2025): $87,990
Route into the job: Bachelor's degree
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.
Work to investigate: Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 1,500

Know before you choose

This is a small national occupation (20,100 jobs in 2025), so location and employer concentration can matter more than the national median suggests.

See the full Microbiologists brief

How the national numbers differ

Chemists has the edge on annual openings

Chemists is at 5,900 annual openings, compared with 1,500 annual openings for Microbiologists.

Chemists has the edge on projected growth

Chemists is at 6.4% projected growth, compared with 6.2% projected growth for Microbiologists.

Chemists has the edge on median pay

Chemists is at $91,240, compared with $87,990 for Microbiologists.

64.2/ 100

Chemists

55.2/ 100

Microbiologists

Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.

Detailed evidence