Microbiologists Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Microbiologists in the United States is $87,990 per year — about $42 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $67,100 and $122,350 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Microbiologists
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $114,840 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $112,440 |
| Worcester, MA | $115,660 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $123,590 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $122,350 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $130,070 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $123,910 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $109,320 |
| Vallejo, CA | $115,980 |
| Peoria, IL | $93,240 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Microbiologists make in the US?
The median salary is $87,990 per year (about $42 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $67,100 and $122,350 a year.
How much do Microbiologists make per hour?
About $42 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $87,990 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Microbiologists?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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