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Applied Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Applied Microbiology information

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How much do applied microbiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for applied microbiology in the United States is $21.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is applied microbiology?

Applied microbiology is the branch of microbiology that focuses on using microorganisms—such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses—for practical purposes in industries like medicine, agriculture, food production, and environmental management. Professionals in this field study how microbes can be harnessed to produce antibiotics, ferment foods, clean up pollutants, and improve crop yields. Applied microbiologists often work in laboratories and collaborate with other scientists to develop new products and technologies that benefit society. This discipline bridges basic microbiological research and real-world applications to solve problems and create value.

Where can an applied microbiologist work?

Applied microbiologists can work in a variety of settings including healthcare laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, environmental agencies, and research institutions. They often utilize skills in microbiological techniques, laboratory analysis, and quality control to support product development, safety, and environmental monitoring.

What are some common challenges faced by applied microbiologists when working on industrial projects?

Applied microbiologists often encounter challenges such as optimizing microbial processes for large-scale production, ensuring contamination control, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams—such as engineers, quality assurance, and production staff—is essential to address issues like scale-up from lab to manufacturing and troubleshooting unexpected microbial behavior. Staying current with new technologies and adapting to rapidly changing industry needs can also be demanding, but these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and professional growth.

What is the difference between Applied Microbiology vs Microbiologist?

AspectApplied MicrobiologyMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology; advanced roles may require PhD
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, industrial settings, healthcare, food productionResearch labs, healthcare, academia, industry
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, food industry, biotech, environmental agenciesResearch institutions, hospitals, biotech companies

Applied Microbiology focuses on practical applications of microbiology in industries like healthcare, food, and environment. Microbiologists often conduct research, study microorganisms, and develop new products or solutions. While both roles require microbiology knowledge, Applied Microbiology emphasizes applying this knowledge in real-world settings, whereas Microbiologists may focus more on research and discovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied microbiologist?

To thrive as an Applied Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in microbiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), molecular biology tools, and relevant certifications like biosafety training are valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate research, safe laboratory practices, and successful collaboration in developing solutions across healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

What careers can you get with applied microbiology?

Applied microbiology graduates can pursue careers as microbiologists, clinical laboratory scientists, food safety specialists, pharmaceutical researchers, environmental microbiologists, and quality control analysts. These roles often involve laboratory work, research, and data analysis, requiring knowledge of microbiological techniques and tools such as PCR and microscopy.
More about Applied Microbiology jobs
What states have the most Applied Microbiology jobs? States with the most job openings for Applied Microbiology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Applied Microbiology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,914 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Laboratory Technician - Microbiology

Maine Medical Center

Scarborough, ME • On-site

$20.68 - $25.10/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 2 days ago


Maine Medical Center rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

553rd of 1,058 rated hospitals


Job description

Description
NorDx
Professional - Clinical
Req #: 84801
Summary:
The Laboratory Technician role independently performs and monitors laboratory testing of patient specimens according to established procedures and regulatory requirements. To include but not limited to receiving specimens in Microbiology, processing routine bacteriology specimens, and appropriately storing and/or distributing other specimens. Performs and results gram stains and rapid kit testing. Recognizes technical, instrumental problems and initiates resolutions. Assumes responsibility for accuracy, quality control and required instrument maintenance. May provide training of laboratory and/or other health care personnel as directed.
This position will allow you to hone your laboratory knowledge and skills in a department that has historically offered a pathway for career advancement. Microbiology is a recognized subspecialty by ASCP and the Microbiology Dept at NorDx periodically offers an apprentice program that can be applied to when available that provides both the training and experience to obtain certification with ASCP. This is a perfect opportunity for a college student or recent graduate who is looking for a way to gain this valuable laboratory experience. In addition, per diem employees are the preferred candidates when full or part-time laboratory technician positions become available.
Minimum coverage requirements for this position are, every third weekend and a rotating list of holidays on dayshift. Additional hours will be offered to cover vacation or other leaves of absence.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  1. Education: Associate's Degree preferred.
  2. License/Certifications: Medical Laboratory Assistant Certification preferred.
  3. Experience: Six months of healthcare experience preferred.
  4. Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Must be able to travel among company sites.
  5. Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A

Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources-so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $20.68 to $25.10 per hour.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact [email protected]
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to [email protected] .
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.

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