As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist V in the United States is $133,868 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, a Microbiologist V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Microbiologist V'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 V'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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.06% |
| Data Entry | 3.42% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 1.67% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Operations
|
$182,060 |
36%
|
|
Food Safety
|
$163,319 |
22%
|
|
Coordination
|
$163,319 |
22%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$159,303 |
19%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$155,287 |
16%
|
|
Commitment
|
$155,287 |
16%
|
Microbiologist V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $151,094. While startup companies pay approximate $128,085.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $128,085 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $135,387 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $145,991 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $151,094 |
For Microbiologist V 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 Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Microbiologist positions in MFG Nondurable or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Microbiologist V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $167,335 | $80.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $160,642 | $77.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $149,932 | $72.0 | 12% |
| Chemicals | $140,561 | $68.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist Vs 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 V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $112,282 and $126,730).
Microbiologist V Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 1.3% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 16.0% |
| Masters | 22.7% |
| Doctorate | 58.7% |
Understanding how a Microbiologist V'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 V, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Geologist Manager | $139,729 | 4% |
| Molecular Biology Senior Manager | $144,070 | 8% |
| Physicist VI | $186,398 | 39% |
Salaries for a Microbiologist V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $135,095 in 2023 to around $123,443 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $135,095 |
| 2024 | $126,864 |
| 2025 | $123,443 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Microbiologist V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Microbiologist V is $168,848.
The highest pay for Microbiologist V is $148,871.
The lowest pay for Microbiologist V is $111,348.
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 10+ years of related experience. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization.
The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Microbiologist V roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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