Microbiologists Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for microbiologists in the U.S. is $87,990 ($42.30 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $87,990
- Mean annual wage
- $97,600
- Median hourly wage
- $42.30
- Employment
- 18,940
18,940 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,670 | $26.28 |
| 25th percentile | $67,100 | $32.26 |
| Median (50th) | $87,990 | $42.30 |
| 75th percentile | $122,350 | $58.82 |
| 90th percentile | $150,000 | $72.12 |
Highest-paying states for microbiologists
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $122,350 | 1,960 |
| California | $108,530 | 2,600 |
| Maryland | $108,470 | 1,590 |
| Georgia | $103,070 | 880 |
| New Jersey | $96,020 | 790 |
| Illinois | $92,050 | 1,470 |
| Oregon | $89,220 | 170 |
| Montana | $87,750 | 80 |
| Connecticut | $86,360 | 180 |
| North Carolina | $85,860 | 1,050 |
Lowest-paying states
- Arkansas: $59,750 median annual wage
- Mississippi: $61,690 median annual wage
- Nevada: $64,490 median annual wage
- South Carolina: $64,740 median annual wage
- Alabama: $65,690 median annual wage
About this occupation
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Typical tasks
- Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
- Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Bachelor's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 49.3% |
| Master's degree | 30.2% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 20.5% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$90,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$82,220
- Chemists$91,240
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$100,580
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62,280
- Biological Technicians$57,510
- School Psychologists$95,990
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.