SOC 191022

Microbiologists

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

National Median

$87,330

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$87,330

Entry Level (10th pct)

$51,220

Experienced (90th pct)

$150,650

Total Employed

19,760

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$51,220 - $63,920
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$63,920 - $120,750
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$120,750 - $150,650

Highest Paying Locations for Microbiologists

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

$129,830

+48.7% vs national

Worcester, MA

$127,120

+45.6% vs national

Massachusetts

$126,260

+44.6% vs national

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

$126,140

+44.4% vs national

Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH

$124,580

+42.7% vs national

Microbiologists Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$129,830	130
Worcester, MA	$127,120	170
Massachusetts	$126,260	2,110
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$126,140	870
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$124,580	1,790
West Montana nonmetropolitan area	$115,040	50
Modesto, CA	$113,870	60
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area	$113,030	50
Athens-Clarke County, GA	$110,260	80
Memphis, TN-MS-AR	$108,970	60
Ames, IA	$108,040	80
California	$107,380	2,510
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	$106,660	150
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$105,630	1,600
Maryland	$101,060	2,040
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	$100,820	680
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA	$99,960	50
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA	$99,480	320
Georgia	$97,090	990
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	$97,090	830
New Haven, CT	$96,820	70
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA	$96,290	130
Maine	$94,920	60
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO	$91,420	100
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$90,790	500
Oregon	$89,220	160
Montana	$88,770	110
Virginia	$88,080	160
Fresno, CA	$87,270	30
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI	$86,690	400
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT	$86,540	30
New Hampshire	$86,380	170
New York	$85,850	1,090
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI	$85,410	60
Minnesota	$85,340	430
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD	$84,240	580
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	$83,650	1,580
Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT	$83,120	40
Salt Lake City-Murray, UT	$82,500	70
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY	$82,470	80
Manhattan, KS	$82,220	30
North Carolina	$82,170	1,320
Trenton-Princeton, NJ	$82,120	100
Connecticut	$82,080	290
New Jersey	$82,070	1,080
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT	$82,020	120
Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area	$81,900	80
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area	$81,420	40
Columbus, OH	$80,760	160
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$80,520	440

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Microbiologists?

The national median annual salary for Microbiologists is $87,330, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Microbiologistss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Microbiologistss is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, with a median salary of $129,830.

How much can an experienced Microbiologists make?

Top-earning Microbiologistss (90th percentile) make $150,650 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.