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Microbiologist II Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist II in the United States is $72,843 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,817
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,460 to $79,634
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,917
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Microbiologist II Salaries

A Microbiologist II'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 II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist II'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 II 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $80,652.
  • California: $80,346.
  • Massachusetts: $79,275.

Top Paying Cities for Microbiologist IIs

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: $91,877
  • San Francisco: $90,871
  • Oakland: $88,956

What Skills Can Increase a Microbiologist II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 10.24% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Quality Control (Mentioned in 3.65% Job Postings): Developing and implementing a set of procedures intended to maintain the quality of a product and reduce any risks or errors.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 1.86% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 10.24%
Quality Control 3.65%
Laboratory Equipment 1.86%
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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 II's salary.

  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coordination $83,769
15%
Commitment $79,399
9%
Leadership $78,670
8%
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Microbiologist II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Microbiologist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,155. While startup companies pay approximate $69,653.

Microbiologist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,653
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,623
Established 501~5000 $79,372
Enterprise 5000+ $82,155

Microbiologist II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Microbiologist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Microbiologist positions in Business Services or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Microbiologist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Microbiologist II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$101,980$49.040%
Biotechnology$94,696$46.030%
Healthcare$80,127$39.010%
Energy & Utilities$76,485$37.05%

How Education impacts a Microbiologist II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist II 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,625 and $70,863.

Microbiologist II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Microbiologist II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.2%
High School 1.2%
Associates 23.8%
Bachelors 70.2%
Masters 23.8%
Doctorate 4.8%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Microbiologist II'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
$63,460
Average $72,843/year
$79,634
$5,288
Average $6,070/month
$6,636
$1,220
Average $1,401/week
$1,531
$31
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,634 $6,636 $1,531 $38
Average $72,843 $6,070 $1,401 $35
25th Percentile $63,460 $5,288 $1,220 $31

Microbiologist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Microbiologist II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist II, 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
Biologist III $83,426 15%
Geologist III $85,555 17%
Geophysicist III $141,498 94%
Hydrologist III $113,023 55%

Most common benefits for Microbiologist II

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

Common company salaries for Microbiologist II

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

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FAQ about Microbiologist II

1. Where can a Microbiologist II earn the most?

A Microbiologist II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Microbiologist II is $91,877.

2. What is the highest pay for Microbiologist II?

The highest pay for Microbiologist II is $85,817.

3. What is the lowest pay for Microbiologist II?

The lowest pay for Microbiologist II is $54,917.

4. What are the responsibilities of Microbiologist II?

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 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist II roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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