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Bacteriologist, Biological Scientist, Immunologist, Mycologist, Parasitologist, Research Scientist, Virologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Microbiologists study the biochemical, physiological, and genetic aspects of micro-organisms, and how they interact. In general, they:
Microbiologists use a range of specialized equipment. Depending on the task, they could be working with incubator-shakers, fermenters, autoclaves, light and electron microscopes, epifluorescence or confocal microscopes. Other applications may call for centrifuges, gas chromatographs, high-pressure liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometry, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, DNA sequencers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, or phosphorimagers.
Fields of study are likewise wide ranging. They can include:
Medical microbiologists help scientists and physicians diagnose, prevent, and treat infections in animals and humans by investigating:
Microbiologists in the food, dairy and brewing industries may be involved in quality control. There, they propose sound laboratory and manufacturing practices.
Work in microbiology is often interdisciplinary. Microbiologists may work closely with chemists, biochemists, geneticists, pathologists, physicians, environmental scientists, engineers, veterinarians, or geologists.
Some microbiologists, particularly those in the environmental, agricultural, and veterinary sectors, may work outdoors in performing tasks such as obtaining samples. But most work is done indoors in a lab or with a computer.
Microbiologists must understand and follow detailed procedures. The pressure of having to meet project deadlines can be stressful.
Chemical injury or exposure to infection from pathogens is a routine risk, so safety procedures are a must. Preventive inoculations for diseases are not uncommon for medical microbiologists. Microbiologists working with human pathogens and toxins are required to self-monitor their health. They must clearly indicate their profession and work activities when entering into a medical consultation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to study the effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins
Interest in precision working with instruments to conduct clinical and laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs and pharmaceuticals, and to conduct molecular and biochemical studies and experiments into genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to the development of new practices and products at the cellular and molecular level; may supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Microbiologists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 28 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Apr 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 15 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 14 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 14 |
| Attention to detail | 13 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 13 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 10 |
| Tasks: Monitor and compile research results | 10 |
| Tasks: Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists | 10 |
| Tasks: Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia | 9 |
| Health benefits: Paramedical services coverage | 9 |
The minimum educational requirement is a 4-year bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree in microbiology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry or genetics with some background in chemistry. Those with a bachelor’s degree are qualified to work in the lab as assistants or technicians. A master’s degree or PhD is usually required for senior research positions. Microbiologists with a PhD can continue into post-doctoral fellowships.
Medical microbiologists involved in direct patient care must have a medical degree. For more information, see the Family Physician occupational profile.
Microbiologists who want to work in medical research laboratories or medical diagnostic laboratories should consider a B.Sc. degree in medical laboratory science or a B.Sc. plus a related 2-year diploma. Other forms of certification may be required for some positions.
Admission to graduate degree programs generally requires an acceptable average in the last 2 years of a related bachelor’s degree program.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Biologists study living organisms and apply their scientific knowledge in various fields.
Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Professional Biologists Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) to use the Professional Biologist title or the P. Biol. and P Biol initials.
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Professional Biologist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Biologist.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Microbiologists work for:
Microbiologists with a B.Sc. degree may work as technologists in post-secondary, government, or industrial laboratories. An M.Sc. degree offers the possibility for professional work in the same laboratory. Those with a PhD have the option of doing research or teaching at a university. They can also manage hospital (clinical) diagnostic microbiology laboratories or advance to senior scientific appointments in government or industry.
Contract work is becoming more common for microbiologists.
Advancement depends on the size and nature of the employing organization and the microbiologist’s qualifications.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group, 79.3% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Microbiologists’ salaries vary considerably depending on responsibilities and qualifications. For example, the earnings for a technician with a B.Sc. degree will be different from a researcher with a PhD.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $22.00 | $55.00 | $34.71 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $24.00 | $70.91 | $46.17 | $46.86 |
| Top | $26.00 | $101.09 | $60.62 | $58.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $91,023 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,887 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,349 |
| Public Administration | $97,896 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) website: www.aspb.ab.ca
Canadian Society of Microbiologists (CSM) website: www.csm-scm.org
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
