As of March 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Microbiologist I in the United States is $53,731. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $42,317 to a high of $67,957, with most professionals earning between $47,756 and $61,177.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $61,177 | $5,098 | $1,176 | $29 |
| Average | $53,731 | $4,478 | $1,033 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,756 | $3,980 | $918 | $23 |
An entry-level Microbiologist I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $52,722. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $53,383. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $55,033. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $55,363, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $55,583.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Microbiologist I | $52,722 |
| Intermediate Level Microbiologist I | $53,383 |
| Senior Level Microbiologist I | $55,033 |
| Specialist Level Microbiologist I | $55,363 |
| Expert Level Microbiologist I | $55,583 |
| Entry Level | 2% |
| Mid Level | 1% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of March 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Microbiologist I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $54,738 in 2023 to approximately $54,710 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Microbiologist I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Microbiologist I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Microbiologist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $53,731 | 68.7% | ||
| Bonus | $117 | 0.1% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,119 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,154 | 2.8% | ||
| Disability | $1,077 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,374 | 8.2% | ||
| Pension | $2,962 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $7,663 | 9.8% | ||
| Total Compensation | $78,196 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 3.1% |
| Bachelors | 71.1% |
| Masters | 17.0% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
What Am I Worth?
The average annual salary of Microbiologist I is $53,731. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Microbiologist I is $26; the average weekly pay of Microbiologist I is $1,033; the average monthly pay of Microbiologist I is $4,478.
A Microbiologist I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Microbiologist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Microbiologist I is $67,432.
The highest pay for Microbiologist I is $67,957.
The lowest pay for Microbiologist I is $42,317.
Microbiologist I identifies, isolates, and studies micro-organisms, bacteria and their byproducts. Tracks environmental microscopic life development and collects samples from a variety of locations. Being a Microbiologist I examines, records, analyzes and interprets data from samples. Typicially requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Additionally, Microbiologist I typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Microbiologist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Data Entry: Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
LIMS: A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software that allows you to effectively manage samples and associated data.
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.
