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Microbiologist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Microbiologist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist I in the United States is $58,738 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,854
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,222 to $64,033
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,290
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Microbiologist I Salaries

A Microbiologist I'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 I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist I'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:

  • Microbiologist I (0-2 years): $58,738
  • Microbiologist II (2-4 years): $72,843
  • Microbiologist III (4-7 years): $83,088
  • Microbiologist IV (7+ years): $93,483
  • Microbiologist V (7-10 years): $133,860
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Microbiologist I0-2 years$58,738
Microbiologist II2-4 years$72,843
Microbiologist III4-7 years$83,088
Microbiologist IV7+ years$93,483
Microbiologist V7-10 years$133,860
View as Graph

How Do Microbiologist I 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 Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $65,035.
  • California: $64,788.
  • Massachusetts: $63,925.

Top Paying Cities for Microbiologist Is

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: $74,086
  • San Francisco: $73,275
  • Oakland: $71,731

What Skills Can Increase a Microbiologist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.74% 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 3.58% Job Postings): Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances of which matter is composed.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 1.8% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.74%
Chemistry 3.58%
Laboratory Equipment 1.8%
See More Skills

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 I's salary.

  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Operations $72,835
24%
Presentation $69,311
18%
Collaboration $67,549
15%
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Microbiologist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Microbiologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $66,005. While startup companies pay approximate $55,958.

Microbiologist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,958
Growth Stage 51~500 $59,146
Established 501~5000 $63,768
Enterprise 5000+ $66,005

Microbiologist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Microbiologist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Microbiologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Microbiologist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Microbiologist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$76,359$37.030%
Biotechnology$70,486$34.020%
MFG Durable$67,549$32.015%
Energy & Utilities$64,612$31.010%
Chemicals$61,675$30.05%

How Education impacts a Microbiologist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Microbiologist I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $50,515 and $53,933.

Microbiologist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Microbiologist I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.0%
High School 1.0%
Associates 3.1%
Bachelors 71.1%
Masters 17.0%
Doctorate 7.7%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Microbiologist I'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
$52,222
Average $58,738/year
$64,033
$4,352
Average $4,895/month
$5,336
$1,004
Average $1,130/week
$1,231
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,033 $5,336 $1,231 $31
Average $58,738 $4,895 $1,130 $28
25th Percentile $52,222 $4,352 $1,004 $25

Microbiologist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Microbiologist I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist I, 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
Agronomist $67,345 15%
Biologist II $66,840 14%
Geologist II $68,817 17%
Geophysicist II $110,674 88%

Most common benefits for Microbiologist I

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

Common company salaries for Microbiologist I

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

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FAQ about Microbiologist I

1. Where can a Microbiologist I earn the most?

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 $74,086.

2. What is the highest pay for Microbiologist I?

The highest pay for Microbiologist I is $68,854.

3. What is the lowest pay for Microbiologist I?

The lowest pay for Microbiologist I is $46,290.

4. What are the responsibilities of 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. Examines, records, analyzes and interprets data from samples. Typicially requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Microbiologist I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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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