As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Microbiologist in the United States is $57,828 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Environmental Microbiologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Environmental 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 |
|---|---|
| Environme... Level Environmental Microbiologist | $57,442 |
| Microbiol... Level Environmental Microbiologist | $71,225 |
| Microbiol... Level Environmental Microbiologist | $81,254 |
| Microbiol... Level Environmental Microbiologist | $91,429 |
| Microbiol... Level Environmental Microbiologist | $130,906 |
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 Environmental Microbiologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.74% |
| Chemistry | 3.58% |
| Laboratory Equipment | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Operations
|
$71,707 |
24%
|
|
Presentation
|
$68,238 |
18%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$66,503 |
15%
|
|
Commitment
|
$62,455 |
8%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$62,455 |
8%
|
|
Consulting
|
$61,876 |
7%
|
For Environmental Microbiologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Environmental Microbiologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Environmental Microbiologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $75,177 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $69,394 | $33.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $66,503 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $63,611 | $31.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $60,720 | $29.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental Microbiologists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Environmental Microbiologist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $48,838 and $52,281).
Environmental Microbiologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 1.0% |
| Associates | 3.1% |
| Bachelors | 71.1% |
| Masters | 17.0% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
Understanding how an Environmental 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Environmental Microbiologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,528 in 2023 to around $53,300 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Microbiologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,528 |
| 2024 | $53,501 |
| 2025 | $53,300 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Environmental Microbiologist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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