Microbiologists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$87,330
~$42/hr · ~$7,278/mo
US Jobs
21K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
6/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 6/10
Microbiologists have a high exposure to AI because a significant portion of their work involves data analysis, pattern recognition in genetic sequences, and technical reporting—all areas where AI is rapidly advancing. However, the physical requirement to conduct laboratory experiments, maintain biological cultures, and collect field samples provides a substantial buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MABEST VALUE | $127,120 | Average (103.0) | $123,439 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $108,970 | Below avg (91.9) | $118,514 |
| Ames, IA | $108,040 | Below avg (91.5) | $118,122 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $110,260 | Below avg (93.5) | $117,877 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,830 | Above avg (113.1) | $114,834 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $124,580 | Above avg (110.4) | $112,851 |
| Modesto, CA | $113,870 | Above avg (105.1) | $108,317 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $126,140 | Above avg (117.6) | $107,307 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $106,660 | Above avg (109.1) | $97,772 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $97,090 | Average (100.5) | $96,625 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $105,630 | Above avg (109.5) | $96,428 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $90,790 | Average (97.3) | $93,264 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $99,960 | Above avg (107.3) | $93,124 |
| New Haven, CT | $96,820 | Above avg (105.4) | $91,896 |
| Manhattan, KS | $82,220 | Below avg (90.2) | $91,163 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$42/hr
Monthly Income
~$7,278/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)