Microbiologist Salary in 2026
Microbiologists study microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They conduct research on disease prevention, develop pharmaceuticals, and ensure food and environmental safety.
Median Salary
$77,000
$6,417/mo
Entry Level
$48,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$103,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Microbiologist Overview
Microbiologists study microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They conduct research on disease prevention, develop pharmaceuticals, and ensure food and environmental safety.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
25K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$37.02/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,417
Microbiologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Microbiologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Microbiologist Salary
$84,000
$7,000/month · $3,231/biweekly · $40.38/hr
Microbiologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Microbiologist field.
Entry-level Microbiologists earn around $48,000, while the top 10% earn $117,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Microbiologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $91,000 | +$14,000 |
| Massachusetts | $86,000 | +$9,000 |
| New Jersey | $85,000 | +$8,000 |
| Maryland | $83,000 | +$6,000 |
| North Carolina | $74,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Microbiologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $96,000 | +$19,000 |
| Bethesda | $91,000 | +$14,000 |
| Boston | $86,000 | +$9,000 |
| Newark | $83,000 | +$6,000 |
| Raleigh | $75,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Microbiologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Microbiologist from entry level to expert.
$48,000
0-2 years
$76,000
3-7 years
$103,000
8-14 years
$132,000
15+ years
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Microbiologist Salary FAQ
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