As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist, Senior in the United States is $83,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Microbiologist, Senior's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Microbiologist, Senior'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, Senior'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Microbiologist, Senior | $79,663 |
| Intermediate Level Microbiologist, Senior | $80,252 |
| Senior Level Microbiologist, Senior | $81,431 |
| Specialist Level Microbiologist, Senior | $86,066 |
| Expert Level Microbiologist, Senior | $88,645 |
What Am I Worth?
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, Seniors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.01% |
| Chemistry | 3.58% |
| ISO | 1.81% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Quality Management
|
$101,504 |
22%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$90,688 |
9%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$90,688 |
9%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$89,856 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$89,024 |
7%
|
|
Integrity
|
$87,360 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist, Seniors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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, Senior with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,193 and $80,885).
Microbiologist, Senior Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 39.8% |
| High School | 29.5% |
| Associates | 30.7% |
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 29.5% |
| Doctorate | 30.7% |
Understanding how a Microbiologist, Senior'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist, Senior, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Biologist | $120,800 | 45% |
| Mine Geologist IV | $109,500 | 32% |
| Specialist Geophysicist | $156,300 | 88% |
| Microbiologist, Specialist | $93,600 | 12% |
Salaries for a Microbiologist, Senior can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,250 in 2023 to around $81,132 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist, Senior salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,250 |
| 2024 | $82,484 |
| 2025 | $81,132 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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