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Microbiologist, Associate Salary in the United States

How much does a Microbiologist, Associate make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist, Associate in the United States is $58,740 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Microbiologist, Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,865
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,220 to $64,040
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,284
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Microbiologist, Associate Salaries

A Microbiologist, Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Microbiologist, Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist, Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Microbiologist, Associate (0-2 years): $58,736
  • Microbiologist, Experienced (2-4 years): $72,851
  • Microbiologist, Senior (4-7 years): $83,085
  • Microbiologist, Specialist (7+ years): $93,471
  • Microbiologist, Lead/Master (7-10 years): $133,856
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Microbiologist, Associate0-2 years$58,736
Microbiologist, Experienced2-4 years$72,851
Microbiologist, Senior4-7 years$83,085
Microbiologist, Specialist7+ years$93,471
Microbiologist, Lead/Master7-10 years$133,856
View as Graph

How Do Microbiologist, Associate Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Microbiologist, Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $65,040.
  • California: $64,790.
  • Massachusetts: $63,930.

Top Paying Cities for Microbiologist, Associates

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $74,090
  • San Francisco: $73,280
  • Oakland: $71,730

What Skills Can Increase a Microbiologist, Associate's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.74% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Chemistry (Mentioned in 3.58% Job Postings): Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances of which matter is composed.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 1.8% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.74%
Chemistry 3.58%
Laboratory Equipment 1.8%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Microbiologist, Associate's salary.

  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Operations $72,838
24%
Presentation $69,313
18%
Collaboration $67,551
15%
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Microbiologist, Associate Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Microbiologist, Associate salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,946. While startup companies pay approximate $55,961.

Microbiologist, Associate Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,961
Growth Stage 51~500 $59,137
Established 501~5000 $63,708
Enterprise 5000+ $65,946

Microbiologist, Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Microbiologist, Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Microbiologist, Associate positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Microbiologist, Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Microbiologist, Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$76,362$37.030%
Biotechnology$70,488$34.020%
MFG Durable$67,551$32.015%
Energy & Utilities$64,614$31.010%
Chemicals$61,677$30.05%

How Education impacts a Microbiologist, Associate's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist, Associates enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Microbiologist, Associate with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $48,632 and $52,061).

Microbiologist, Associate Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Microbiologist, Associate
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.0%
High School 1.0%
Associates 3.1%
Bachelors 71.1%
Masters 17.0%
Doctorate 7.7%
View as Graph

Microbiologist, Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Microbiologist, Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$52,220
Average $58,740/year
$64,040
$4,352
Average $4,895/month
$5,337
$1,004
Average $1,130/week
$1,232
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,040 $5,337 $1,232 $31
Average $58,740 $4,895 $1,130 $28
25th Percentile $52,220 $4,352 $1,004 $25

Microbiologist, Associate Salary Growth & Career Path

Microbiologist, Associate

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist, Associate, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Crop Scientist $70,200 20%
Intermediate Biologist $66,900 14%
Intermediate Geologist $68,800 17%
Intermediate Geophysicist $110,800 89%

Most common benefits for Microbiologist, Associate

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Microbiologist, Associate

Here are companies hiring for Microbiologist, Associate and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Microbiologist, Associate

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Microbiologist, Associate?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist, Associate roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Is USA good for microbiology?

Microbiology in the United States is highly regarded, with top universities like Harvard and Stanford offering advanced programs in molecular microbiology and biotechnology. The salary for an Associate Microbiologist ranges from $47,550 to $60,930, making it a promising field for those pursuing a career in this area.

3. How much does an associate earn in USA?

As of January 15, 2025, the salary for an Associate Microbiologist in the United States ranges from $47,550 to $60,930 annually, with a median salary of $53,510. This reflects a competitive pay scale within the field, highlighting the value of expertise in microbiology.

4. What is a microbiologist's salary in the USA?

In the USA, the salary for an Associate Microbiologist ranges from a minimum of $47,550 to a maximum of $60,930, with a median salary of $53,510. This reflects the entry-level to mid-career earnings in the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in microbiology.

5. Which field of microbiology is best?

The best field in microbiology often depends on personal interests and job market demand. Careers such as biotechnologist, clinical laboratory scientist, and food technologist are popular. Salaries for microbiologists range from $47,550 to $60,930, with a median salary of $53,510, reflecting the diverse opportunities in this field.

6. How much does a microbiology job pay in USA?

In the USA, the salary for an Associate Microbiologist ranges from a minimum of $47,550 to a maximum of $60,930, with a median salary of $53,510. This reflects a competitive pay scale within the field, offering opportunities for growth and advancement based on experience and expertise.

7. Is there a shortage of microbiologists?

Yes, there is a shortage of microbiologists, particularly in specialty areas. As of 2023, only 3,433 ASCP-credentialed microbiology specialists were available, with a pass rate of just 63% for the ASCP Board of Certification exam. Salaries for microbiologists range from $47,550 to $60,930, reflecting the demand for qualified professionals in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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