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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Microbiologist in Illinois is $84,513 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Microbiologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Microbiologist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $93,832 | $7,819 | $1,804 | $45 |
| Average | $84,513 | $7,043 | $1,625 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,697 | $6,391 | $1,475 | $37 |
Xttrium Laboratories Inc - Mount Prospect, IL
Woodstock Sterile Solutions - Woodstock, IL
Clarke - Saint Charles, IL
Xttrium Laboratories Inc - Mount Prospect, IL
A Microbiologist'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Microbiol... Level Microbiologist | $59,261 |
| Microbiol... Level Microbiologist | $73,492 |
| Microbiol... Level Microbiologist | $83,828 |
| Microbiol... Level Microbiologist | $94,315 |
| Microbiol... Level Microbiologist | $135,052 |
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 Microbiologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Microbiologist 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 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $101,416 | $49.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $97,190 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $92,964 | $45.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $88,739 | $43.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Microbiologist'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $93,832 | $7,819 | $1,804 | $45 |
| Average | $84,513 | $7,043 | $1,625 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,697 | $6,391 | $1,475 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Microbiologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
NOW HEALTH GROUP, INC.
Bloomingdale, IL
NOW HEALTH GROUP, INC. | Bloomingdale, IL
Job Description. Job Description. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. include the following. Other duties may be assigned. . Conducts routine microbiolo... more
4 Days Ago
Southwest CARE Center
SANTA FE, NM
Southwest CARE Center | SANTA FE, NM
Southwest Care Center employees can answer yes to these 3 questions. 1. Do you want to make a difference. 2. Do you believe everyone is entitled to quality... more
10 Days Ago
Langford Sports & Physical Therapy
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Langford Sports & Physical Therapy | ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Position Overview:* We are looking for a passionate and dedicated full-time Physical Therapist to join our growing team. This role provides a unique opport... more
24 Days Ago
The Carter Center
, NV
The Carter Center | , NV
County Coordinator. NEON is seeking *County Coordinators* to lead election observation efforts and strengthen trust in the democratic process. This role is... more
2 Months Ago
Senior Home Health Care
MINNEAPOLIS-SAINT PAUL, MN
Senior Home Health Care | MINNEAPOLIS-SAINT PAUL, MN
We are growing and have a new part-time or full-time opening to join our therapy staff as an Occupational Therapist. This position will service our clients... more
2 Months Ago
Senior Home Health Care
ROCHESTER, MN
Senior Home Health Care | ROCHESTER, MN
Join our growing therapy team. We have an opening for a full time or part time Physical Therapist to care for our clients in Rochester and surrounding comm... more
2 Months Ago
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