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Microbiologist III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist III in the United States is $83,088 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $100,475
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $75,325 to $92,189
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $68,257
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Microbiologist III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Microbiologist III Salaries?

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:

  • 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 IIIs 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $91,995.
  • California: $91,646.
  • Massachusetts: $90,425.

Top Paying Cities for Microbiologist III

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: $104,799
  • San Francisco: $103,651
  • Oakland: $101,467

What Skills Can Increase a Microbiologist III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 10.01% 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.
  • ISO (Mentioned in 1.81% Job Postings): The International Organization for Standardization is an international standard development organization composed of representatives from the national standards organizations of member countries.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 10.01%
Chemistry 3.58%
ISO 1.81%
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 III's salary.

  • Quality Management: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Communication Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Quality Management $101,367
22%
Collaboration $90,566
9%
Communication Skills $90,566
9%
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Microbiologist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Microbiologist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,710. While startup companies pay approximate $79,449.

Microbiologist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $79,449
Growth Stage 51~500 $83,978
Established 501~5000 $90,535
Enterprise 5000+ $93,710

Microbiologist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Microbiologist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$99,706$48.020%
Energy & Utilities$95,551$46.015%
Healthcare$91,397$44.010%
Chemicals$87,242$42.05%

How Education impacts an Microbiologist III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist III 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,442 and $81,153.

Microbiologist III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Microbiologist III
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%
View as Graph

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

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 September 01, 2026
$75,325
Average $83,088/year
$92,189
$6,277
Average $6,924/month
$7,682
$1,449
Average $1,598/week
$1,773
$36
Average $40/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $92,189 $7,682 $1,773 $44
Average $83,088 $6,924 $1,598 $40
25th Percentile $75,325 $6,277 $1,449 $36

Microbiologist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Microbiologist III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $120,886 45%
Geologist IV $109,123 31%
Geophysicist IV $156,295 88%
Hydrologist IV $143,029 72%

Most common benefits for Microbiologist III

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

Common company salaries for Microbiologist III

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

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FAQ about Microbiologist III

1. Where can a Microbiologist III earn the most?

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 $104,799.

2. What is the highest pay for Microbiologist III?

The highest pay for Microbiologist III is $100,475.

3. What is the lowest pay for Microbiologist III?

The lowest pay for Microbiologist III is $68,257.

4. What are the responsibilities of Microbiologist III?

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.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist III roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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