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Microbiologist IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist IV in the United States is $93,483 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $110,048
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $83,374 to $102,154
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,170
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Microbiologist IV Salaries

A Microbiologist IV'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 IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist IV'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 IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $103,504.
  • California: $103,112.
  • Massachusetts: $101,738.

Top Paying Cities for Microbiologist IVs

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: $117,910
  • San Francisco: $116,619
  • Oakland: $114,161

What Skills Can Increase a Microbiologist IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.67% 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 3.5% Job Postings): Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances of which matter is composed.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 1.58% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.67%
Chemistry 3.5%
Calibration 1.58%
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 IV's salary.

  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Operations $113,114
21%
Commitment $100,027
7%
Oral Communication $100,027
7%
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Microbiologist IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Microbiologist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,434. While startup companies pay approximate $89,389.

Microbiologist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $89,389
Growth Stage 51~500 $94,484
Established 501~5000 $101,862
Enterprise 5000+ $105,434

Microbiologist IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Microbiologist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Microbiologist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Microbiologist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Microbiologist IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$121,528$58.030%
Biotechnology$112,180$54.020%
Chemicals$102,831$49.010%

How Education impacts a Microbiologist IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist IV 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $85,643 and $90,131.

Microbiologist IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Microbiologist IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.4%
High School 34.1%
Associates 29.3%
Bachelors 34.1%
Masters 29.3%
Doctorate 34.1%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Microbiologist IV'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
$83,374
Average $93,483/year
$102,154
$6,948
Average $7,790/month
$8,513
$1,603
Average $1,798/week
$1,965
$40
Average $45/hour
$49
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $102,154 $8,513 $1,965 $49
Average $93,483 $7,790 $1,798 $45
25th Percentile $83,374 $6,948 $1,603 $40

Microbiologist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Microbiologist IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist IV, 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 V $137,001 47%
Geologist V $131,007 40%
Geophysicist V $192,103 105%
Microbiologist V $133,860 43%

Most common benefits for Microbiologist IV

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

Common company salaries for Microbiologist IV

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

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FAQ about Microbiologist IV

1. Where can a Microbiologist IV earn the most?

A Microbiologist IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Microbiologist IV is $117,910.

2. What is the highest pay for Microbiologist IV?

The highest pay for Microbiologist IV is $110,048.

3. What is the lowest pay for Microbiologist IV?

The lowest pay for Microbiologist IV is $74,170.

4. What are the responsibilities of Microbiologist IV?

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 7+ years of related experience. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group.

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist IV 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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