The average salary for a microbiologist in the United States is $93,380, but the range typically falls between $62,770 and $120,240. This corresponds to an average hourly wage of $44.89, with a range between $30.18 and $57.81.
There are approximately 21,540 people employed as a microbiologist in the United States. With California, Massachusetts, Maryland employing the highest number of microbiologists.The state with the best pay for a microbiologist is Massachusetts, with an average annual salary of $119,460, while Florida has the lowest average annual salary of $59,000.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,070 | $23.59 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,770 | $30.18 |
| Median | $85,470 | $41.09 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,240 | $57.81 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,470 | $70.9 |
The salary of a microbiologist can vary depending on the state. Below is a map of the United States showing the average annual salary for a microbiologist in each state. The darker the color, the higher the salary. The best states for microbiologists are Massachusetts, Georgia, California, Maryland, Minnesota while the worst states are Florida, South Carolina, Utah, Kentucky, West Virginia.
| State | Low-end | Average | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,710 | $67,530 | $93,910 |
| Alaska | $57,450 | $76,330 | $94,350 |
| Arkansas | $44,350 | $74,650 | $131,890 |
| California | $66,720 | $110,660 | $170,160 |
| Colorado | $46,960 | $79,470 | $123,640 |
| Connecticut | $47,890 | $87,600 | $120,830 |
| Delaware | $56,680 | $79,340 | $126,060 |
| Florida | $37,390 | $59,000 | $97,130 |
| Georgia | $61,390 | $105,420 | $151,570 |
| Hawaii | $46,370 | $62,720 | $80,180 |
| Idaho | $40,720 | $66,260 | $101,150 |
| Illinois | $53,100 | $91,340 | $132,890 |
| Indiana | $53,210 | $71,680 | $78,130 |
| Iowa | $60,920 | $90,190 | $151,400 |
| Kansas | $43,970 | $64,180 | $88,340 |
| Kentucky | $45,860 | $63,870 | $89,810 |
| Maine | $47,170 | $78,190 | $115,640 |
| Maryland | $59,580 | $107,940 | $172,060 |
| Massachusetts | $79,810 | $119,460 | $159,330 |
| Michigan | $54,660 | $76,260 | $103,950 |
| Minnesota | $56,450 | $93,280 | $153,410 |
| Mississippi | $46,930 | $90,950 | $148,100 |
| Missouri | $51,620 | $87,450 | $122,950 |
| Montana | $44,830 | $90,820 | $155,520 |
| Nebraska | $45,000 | $82,380 | $155,150 |
| Nevada | $43,210 | $74,030 | $101,740 |
| New Hampshire | $55,370 | $88,950 | $119,200 |
| New Jersey | $59,190 | $89,480 | $126,870 |
| New Mexico | $42,060 | $65,850 | $105,260 |
| New York | $52,900 | $87,820 | $131,000 |
| North Carolina | $49,920 | $90,040 | $138,100 |
| North Dakota | $48,550 | $63,940 | $82,010 |
| Ohio | $51,280 | $93,000 | $155,520 |
| Oklahoma | $49,920 | $64,900 | $87,910 |
| Oregon | $66,020 | $87,050 | $123,260 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,670 | $81,100 | $126,530 |
| South Carolina | $40,340 | $56,080 | $81,900 |
| South Dakota | $52,370 | $72,380 | $121,550 |
| Tennessee | $30,540 | $70,460 | $135,360 |
| Texas | $42,140 | $64,050 | $88,710 |
| Utah | $37,660 | $63,260 | $108,620 |
| Vermont | $51,290 | $64,630 | $81,910 |
| Virginia | $48,250 | $95,190 | $163,240 |
| Washington | $48,760 | $74,070 | $110,530 |
| West Virginia | $36,550 | $64,790 | $106,340 |
| Wisconsin | $48,950 | $74,700 | $100,780 |
Even between cities, the salary of a microbiologist can vary. For example, the areas with the highest average salary for microbiologists is Vallejo-Fairfield area, CA with an average salary of $138,400.The city with the lowest average salary for microbiologists is Knoxville, TN with an average salary of $54,810.
Areas with highest average salaries for microbiologists
Areas with lowest average salaries for microbiologists
The number of microbiologists in the United States has been increasing over the years. Since 2020, the number of microbiologists has increased by 1,830. On average, the number of microbiologists has been increasing by 2.3% each year. The salary of microbiologists has been increasing. Since 2020, the salary of microbiologists has increased by $1,540. On average, the salary of microbiologists has been increasing by 0.4% each year.
Microbiologists are part of the life, physical, and social science occupations group. Below is a comparison of the average annual salary for microbiologists compared to other jobs in the same occupation group. View all life, physical, and social science occupations jobs here.
$112,440 per year
$128,940 per year
$99,060 per year
$132,650 per year
$104,000 per year
$75,740 per year
