As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist III in the United States is $83,092 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Microbiologist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Microbiologist III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiologist I | 0-2 years | $58,741 |
| Microbiologist II | 2-4 years | $72,827 |
| Microbiologist III | 4-7 years | $83,092 |
| Microbiologist IV | 7+ years | $93,507 |
| Microbiologist V | 7-10 years | $133,868 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.01% |
| Chemistry | 3.58% |
| ISO | 1.81% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Quality Management
|
$101,372 |
22%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$90,570 |
9%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$90,570 |
9%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$89,739 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$88,908 |
7%
|
|
Integrity
|
$87,247 |
5%
|
Microbiologist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,784. While startup companies pay approximate $79,502.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $79,502 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $84,035 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $90,617 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $93,784 |
For Microbiologist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $99,710 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $95,556 | $46.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $91,401 | $44.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $87,247 | $42.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,442 and $81,153).
Microbiologist III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 39.8% |
| High School | 29.5% |
| Associates | 30.7% |
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 29.5% |
| Doctorate | 30.7% |
Understanding how a Microbiologist III'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist III, 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 IV | $120,854 | 45% |
| Geologist IV | $109,195 | 31% |
| Geophysicist IV | $156,271 | 88% |
| Microbiologist IV | $93,507 | 13% |
Salaries for a Microbiologist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,250 in 2023 to around $81,132 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $83,250 |
| 2024 | $82,484 |
| 2025 | $81,132 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Microbiologist III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Microbiologist III is $104,804.
The highest pay for Microbiologist III is $100,403.
The lowest pay for Microbiologist III is $68,070.
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. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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