Microbiologist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Microbiologists Make?
Microbiologists earn a median annual salary of $87,330 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $51,220 at the 10th percentile to $150,650 at the 90th percentile — a range of $99,430. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts at $126,260.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,220 |
| 25th percentile | $63,920 |
| Median (50th) | $87,330 |
| 75th percentile | $120,750 |
| 90th percentile | $150,650 |
Microbiologist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusettstop | $126,260 |
| California | $107,380 |
| Maryland | $101,060 |
| Georgia | $97,090 |
| Maine | $94,920 |
| Oregon | $89,220 |
| Montana | $88,770 |
| Virginia | $88,080 |
| New Hampshire | $86,380 |
| New York | $85,850 |
| Minnesota | $85,340 |
| North Carolina | $82,170 |
| Connecticut | $82,080 |
| New Jersey | $82,070 |
| Indiana | $80,110 |
| South Dakota | $77,730 |
| Washington | $77,130 |
| Alaska | $76,900 |
| Iowa | $76,490 |
| Ohio | $75,940 |
| Delaware | $75,720 |
| Mississippi | $75,590 |
| Illinois | $74,350 |
| Florida | $74,220 |
| Nebraska | $72,950 |
| Nevada | $72,380 |
| Tennessee | $71,140 |
| Pennsylvania | $71,010 |
| Michigan | $70,610 |
| Colorado | $69,010 |
| Missouri | $68,630 |
| Utah | $67,780 |
| Hawaii | $65,000 |
| Wisconsin | $63,470 |
| Kentucky | $62,900 |
| Texas | $62,720 |
| Kansas | $62,470 |
| North Dakota | $61,420 |
| Arkansas | $60,710 |
| Idaho | $60,450 |
| South Carolina | $57,690 |
| Alabama | $55,600 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Microbiologists
Microbiologist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$51,220 – $63,920 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$87,330 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$120,750 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $150,650+ |
How to Earn More as a Microbiologist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Microbiologists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $129,830 — $42,500 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($120,750) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Microbiologist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Microbiologistthis career | $87,330 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineer | $106,950 |
| Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technician | $64,790 |
| Soil and Plant Scientist | $71,410 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicist | $103,650 |
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SOC: 19-1022.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.