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
$87,990
$7,333/mo
Entry Level
$54,900
starting pay
Senior Level
$117,700
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Microbiologists (SOC 19-1022) at a national median of $87,990 per year (mean $97,600), or $42.30 per hour, with 18,940 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
19K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$42.30/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,333
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
$96,000
$8,000/month · $3,692/biweekly · $46.15/hr
Microbiologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Microbiologist field.
Entry-level Microbiologists earn around $54,900, while the top 10% earn $134,250 or more.
Top Paying States for Microbiologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $104,000 | +$16,010 |
| Massachusetts | $99,000 | +$11,010 |
| New Jersey | $97,000 | +$9,010 |
| Maryland | $95,000 | +$7,010 |
| North Carolina | $84,000 | $-3,990 |
Top Paying Cities for Microbiologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $110,000 | +$22,010 |
| Bethesda | $104,000 | +$16,010 |
| Boston | $99,000 | +$11,010 |
| Newark | $95,000 | +$7,010 |
| Raleigh | $85,000 | $-2,990 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Microbiologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Microbiologist from entry level to expert.
$54,900
0-2 years
$86,000
3-7 years
$117,700
8-14 years
$150,800
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Microbiologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Microbiologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Microbiologist in the United States is $87,990 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Microbiologists (SOC 19-1022); the mean is $97,600. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $54,900, senior professionals around $117,700, and top earners at $150,800 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Microbiologist?
A Microbiologist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Microbiology Techniques, PCR, Cell Culture. Relevant certifications such as ASM Certification or ASCP Microbiology can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Microbiologists?
The job market for Microbiologists is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 19K Microbiologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Microbiologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Microbiologists include California, Maryland, Massachusetts. In California, the median salary is approximately $104,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Microbiologist salary?
To increase your Microbiologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Microbiology Techniques and PCR. Pursue certifications such as ASM Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $54,900 to $117,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Microbiologist Salary
How we calculate Microbiologist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Microbiologists (SOC 19-1022), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $87,990, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Microbiologists; BLS mean $97,600; BLS hourly median $42.30.
- Entry-level ($54,900) and senior-level ($117,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 18,940 Microbiologists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $87,990; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Microbiologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Microbiologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Microbiologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Microbiology Techniques, PCR, Cell Culture), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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