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Microbiologist, Specialist Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist, Specialist in the United States is $93,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $110,121
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $83,400 to $102,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,204

Key Factors That Influence Microbiologist, Specialist Salaries

A Microbiologist, Specialist'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, Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist, Specialist'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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Microbiologist0-2 years$58,738
Microbiologist, Experienced2-4 years$72,843
Microbiologist, Senior4-7 years$83,088
Microbiologist, Specialist7+ years$93,483
Microbiologist, Lead/Master7-10 years$133,860

How Do Microbiologist, Specialist 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, Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $103,600.
  • California: $103,200.
  • Massachusetts: $101,800.

Top Paying Cities for Microbiologist, Specialists

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: $118,000
  • San Francisco: $116,700
  • Oakland: $114,200

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.67% 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 3.5% Job Postings): Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances of which matter is composed.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 1.58% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.67%
Chemistry 3.5%
Calibration 1.58%

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, Specialist's salary.

  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Operations $113,135
21%
Commitment $100,045
7%
Oral Communication $100,045
7%

Microbiologist, Specialist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Microbiologist, Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,453. While startup companies pay approximate $89,405.

Microbiologist, Specialist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $89,405
Growth Stage 51~500 $94,502
Established 501~5000 $101,880
Enterprise 5000+ $105,453

Microbiologist, Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Microbiologist, Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Microbiologist, Specialist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Microbiologist, Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Microbiologist, Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$121,550$58.030%
Biotechnology$112,200$54.020%
Chemicals$102,850$49.010%

How Education impacts a Microbiologist, Specialist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist, Specialists 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, Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $85,361 and $89,825).

Microbiologist, Specialist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Microbiologist, Specialist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.4%
High School 34.1%
Associates 29.3%
Bachelors 34.1%
Masters 29.3%
Doctorate 34.1%

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

Understanding how a Microbiologist, Specialist'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 September 01, 2026
$83,400
Average $93,500/year
$102,200
$6,950
Average $7,792/month
$8,517
$1,604
Average $1,798/week
$1,965
$40
Average $45/hour
$49
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $102,200 $8,517 $1,965 $49
Average $93,500 $7,792 $1,798 $45
25th Percentile $83,400 $6,950 $1,604 $40

Microbiologist, Specialist Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist, Specialist, 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.

Microbiologist, Specialist Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Expert Biologist $137,100 47%
Expert Geologist $131,100 40%
Chief Geophysicist $192,200 106%
Microbiologist, Lead/Master $133,900 43%

Most common benefits for Microbiologist, Specialist

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

Common company salaries for Microbiologist, Specialist

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

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FAQ about Microbiologist, Specialist

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist, Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. How much does a medical laboratory specialist make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Microbiologist Specialist in the United States ranges from $82,400 to $101,900 annually, with a median salary of $88,800. This translates to approximately $39.62 to $48.99 per hour, or about $6,867 to $8,491 per month.

3. What is the salary of a PHD in microbiology in the US?

Career Opportunities: Graduates with a PhD in microbiology can pursue careers in research and teaching. The salary range for microbiologists in the US is between $82,400 and $101,900, with a mid-salary of $88,800 per year. This reflects the diverse opportunities available in the field.

4. Are microbiologists in demand in USA?

Yes, microbiologists are in demand in the USA, with an estimated 20,900 professionals currently in the field. The job market for microbiologists is projected to grow by 5.3% from 2022 to 2032. Salaries for microbiologists range from a minimum of $82,400 to a maximum of $101,900, with a median salary of $88,800.

5. Do microbiologists need a Phd?

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 occupation. However, some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or Ph.D. Salaries for microbiologists range from $82,400 to $101,900, with a median salary of $88,800.

6. Which state pays microbiologist the most?

The salary data for microbiologists indicates a minimum salary of $82,400, a mid-range salary of $88,800, and a maximum salary of $101,900. While specific cities like Downey, CA, report high hourly rates, the overall salary range suggests that states with higher demand and cost of living may offer better compensation for microbiologists.

7. What is a Microbiologist's salary in the USA?

The salary of a Microbiologist in the USA typically ranges from a minimum of $82,400 to a maximum of $101,900, with an average salary around $88,800. This translates to a monthly pay of approximately $6,900. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

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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