Microbiologists Salary
The median microbiologists salary in the United States is $87,990 per year ($42.30/hour). Salaries range from $54,670 at the entry level to $150,000+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 18,940 microbiologists jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 4.1% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$87,990
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.30
per hour
Employment
18,940
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$54,670
25th percentile
$67,100
Median
$87,990
75th percentile
$122,350
90th percentile
$150,000
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+4.1%
As fast as average
Annual Openings
1,700
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Microbiologists Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$60K$122K■ No data
Top Paying States
Massachusetts
$122K
+39%
California
$109K
+23%
Maryland
$108K
+23%
Georgia
$103K
+17%
New Jersey
$96K
+9%
Illinois
$92K
+5%
Oregon
$89K
+1%
Montana
$88K
-0%
Connecticut
$86K
-2%
North Carolina
$86K
-2%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $122,350 | +39.0% |
| California | $108,530 | +23.3% |
| Maryland | $108,470 | +23.3% |
| Georgia | $103,070 | +17.1% |
| New Jersey | $96,020 | +9.1% |
| Illinois | $92,050 | +4.6% |
| Oregon | $89,220 | +1.4% |
| Montana | $87,750 | -0.3% |
| Connecticut | $86,360 | -1.9% |
| North Carolina | $85,860 | -2.4% |
Showing 1–10 of 42
Microbiologists Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $130,070 | +47.8% |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $123,910 | +40.8% |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $123,590 | +40.5% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $122,350 | +39.0% |
| Vallejo, CA | $115,980 | +31.8% |
| Worcester, MA | $115,660 | +31.4% |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $114,840 | +30.5% |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $114,800 | +30.5% |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $112,470 | +27.8% |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $112,440 | +27.8% |
Showing 1–10 of 72
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A microbiologists earning $87,990/year would need 677 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 727 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how microbiologists salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Microbiologists salary trend (2011–2024) →