As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist, Experienced in the United States is $72,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Microbiologist, Experienced's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Microbiologist, Experienced Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,700 | $6,642 | $1,533 | $38 |
| Average | $72,900 | $6,075 | $1,402 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,500 | $5,292 | $1,221 | $31 |
A Microbiologist, Experienced'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist, Experienced'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Microbiologist | 0-2 years | $58,738 |
| Microbiologist, Experienced | 2-4 years | $72,843 |
| Microbiologist, Senior | 4-7 years | $83,088 |
| Microbiologist, Specialist | 7+ years | $93,483 |
| Microbiologist, Lead/Master | 7-10 years | $133,860 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.24% |
| Quality Control | 3.65% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 1.86% |
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, Experienced's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Coordination | $83,835 | |
| Commitment | $79,461 | |
| Leadership | $78,732 |
Microbiologist, Experienced salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,220. While startup companies pay approximate $69,707.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,707 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,681 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,434 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,220 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist, Experienceds 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, Experienced with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $64,709 and $69,607).
| Typical Education for Microbiologist, Experienced | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 1.2% |
| Associates | 23.8% |
| Bachelors | 70.2% |
| Masters | 23.8% |
| Doctorate | 4.8% |
Understanding how a Microbiologist, Experienced'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,700 | $6,642 | $1,533 | $38 |
| Average | $72,900 | $6,075 | $1,402 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,500 | $5,292 | $1,221 | $31 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist, Experienced, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Biologist | $83,500 | 15% |
| Mine Geologist III | $85,600 | 17% |
| Senior Geophysicist | $141,500 | 94% |
| Hydrogeologist III | $113,100 | 55% |
Salaries for a Microbiologist, Experienced can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,873 in 2023 to around $64,551 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist, Experienced salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $64,873 |
| 2024 | $64,758 |
| 2025 | $64,551 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist, Experienced roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Microbiologists can earn competitive salaries, with a range from $61,300 to $83,000 annually. The highest-paying cities include Downey, CA, where hourly rates can reach approximately $82.90, followed by New York, NY, at around $36.06 per hour. Other notable locations are Bonners Ferry, ID, and Exton, PA, with hourly rates of $34.67 and $33.88, respectively.
To become a microbiologist, a bachelor's degree in biology or microbiology is essential. Coursework typically includes subjects like biochemistry, microbial genetics, and virology. Experienced microbiologists can expect salaries ranging from $61,300 to $83,000, with a median salary of $69,300, reflecting the importance of advanced education and expertise in the field.
A PhD in microbiology can be worth it, as it opens doors to various career opportunities with competitive salaries. Experienced microbiologists typically earn between $61,300 and $83,000, with a median salary of around $69,300. This advanced degree can lead to higher earning potential and specialized roles in the field.
Microbiologists study the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms like viruses. A bachelor's degree in microbiology or a related field is typically required to enter the profession. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or Ph.D. Experienced microbiologists can expect salaries ranging from $61,300 to $83,000, with a median salary of $69,300.
The salary of a microbiologist varies by country, with experienced professionals earning between $61,300 and $83,000 annually. In the USA, the average salary is approximately $48,130, while in Australia, it's around $37,170. Canada offers about $40,480, indicating that salaries can differ significantly based on location and experience.
Yes, NASA does hire microbiologists as part of their integrated team, which includes various specialists like medical technologists and environmental microbiologists. Experienced microbiologists can expect a salary ranging from $61,300 to $83,000, with a median salary of around $69,300, reflecting the importance of their expertise in NASA's diverse projects.
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