Annual Salary of a Mycologist

A mycologist studies fungi.

A mycologist is a scientist who specializes in a little-known corner of microbiology: the study of fungi. According to the Job Descriptions website, a mycologist studies the structure and genetics of fungi, and may apply his knowledge to agriculture, for the development of new molds and yeasts; to medicine, for new drugs; or even to commercial uses, such as the eradication of toxic molds from buildings. He may provide expert testimony to the police in the event of a mushroom poisoning.

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Salary

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Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage for a microbiologist generally is $72,030, the Salary List website reports a mycologist makes an average annual salary of $45,547 and a median salary of $49,771, for a salary range of $30,500 to $65,000. The BLS reports that microbiologists working for the federal government make the most on average, with an annual mean wage of $99,650. Those working for scientific research and development, and pharmaceutical and medical development, make $72,860 and $68,770 a year, respectively.

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Sectors

A mycologist may work in a variety of sectors, according to Science Magazine. He may work for the government or a university in biological research and development; he may be employed by a pharmaceutical company to help develop a new drug utilizing fungi; he may work as an independent consultant to industry; or an agricultural company might hire him to increase produce yields by preventing or curing plant disease.

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Differences by Location

California, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York and North Carolina hire the most microbiologists, according to the BLS. Of these, Maryland has the highest annual mean wage at $100,110 and North Carolina the lowest, at $62,240. Most microbiologists are employed within the scientific research and development sector.

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Outlook

Although the demand for mycologists is small, according to Science Magazine, the job outlook still remains good, because mycology is such a specialized field that there's a lack of qualified people to fill the available jobs. Because knowledge of fungi has applications in the pharmaceutical, commercial and agricultural sectors, as well as academia, mycologists have a range of potential job opportunities.

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