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:
Microbiologist, Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| 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 | 9.67% |
| Chemistry | 3.5% |
| Calibration | 1.58% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Team Operations | $113,135 | |
| Commitment | $100,045 | |
| Oral Communication | $100,045 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Next Role
Advancement
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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a Microbiologist, Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,117 in 2023 to around $101,658 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist, Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $104,117 |
| 2024 | $102,351 |
| 2025 | $101,658 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist, Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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