Microbiologists Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $87,990 · Median hourly: $42.30 · Employment: 18,940
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $54,670 | $26.28 |
| 25th | $67,100 | $32.26 |
| Median | $87,990 | $42.30 |
| 75th | $122,350 | $58.82 |
| 90th | $150,000 | $72.12 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-1022
- Total U.S. employment: 18,940
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What the data says
The mean wage of $97,600 sits 10.9% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Across the United States, 18,940 microbiologists are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
Microbiologists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $65,690 | $31.58 | -25.3% | 110 |
| Alaska | $76,320 | $36.69 | -13.3% | 30 |
| Arizona | $69,880 | $33.60 | -20.6% | 80 |
| Arkansas | $59,750 | $28.73 | -32.1% | 140 |
| California | $108,530 | $52.18 | +23.3% | 2,600 |
| Colorado | $81,640 | $39.25 | -7.2% | 370 |
| Connecticut | $86,360 | $41.52 | -1.9% | 180 |
| Delaware | $82,770 | $39.79 | -5.9% | 190 |
| Florida | $80,930 | $38.91 | -8.0% | 270 |
| Georgia | $103,070 | $49.55 | +17.1% | 880 |
| Hawaii | $70,970 | $34.12 | -19.3% | 60 |
| Idaho | $65,940 | $31.70 | -25.1% | 70 |
| Illinois | $92,050 | $44.26 | +4.6% | 1,470 |
| Indiana | $77,900 | $37.45 | -11.5% | 150 |
| Iowa | $79,830 | $38.38 | -9.3% | 180 |
| Kansas | $70,500 | $33.90 | -19.9% | 120 |
| Kentucky | $66,500 | $31.97 | -24.4% | 80 |
| Maine | — | — | — | 30 |
| Maryland | $108,470 | $52.15 | +23.3% | 1,590 |
| Massachusetts | $122,350 | $58.82 | +39.0% | 1,960 |
| Michigan | $78,680 | $37.83 | -10.6% | 370 |
| Minnesota | $83,400 | $40.09 | -5.2% | 290 |
| Mississippi | $61,690 | $29.66 | -29.9% | 0 |
| Missouri | $78,590 | $37.78 | -10.7% | 140 |
| Montana | $87,750 | $42.19 | -0.3% | 80 |
| Nebraska | $72,470 | $34.84 | -17.6% | 90 |
| Nevada | $64,490 | $31.01 | -26.7% | 110 |
| New Hampshire | $79,430 | $38.19 | -9.7% | 170 |
| New Jersey | $96,020 | $46.16 | +9.1% | 790 |
| New York | $81,090 | $38.99 | -7.8% | 1,050 |
| North Carolina | $85,860 | $41.28 | -2.4% | 1,050 |
| Ohio | $72,500 | $34.86 | -17.6% | 530 |
| Oregon | $89,220 | $42.90 | +1.4% | 170 |
| Pennsylvania | $84,650 | $40.70 | -3.8% | 670 |
| South Carolina | $64,740 | $31.13 | -26.4% | 100 |
| South Dakota | $70,530 | $33.91 | -19.8% | 80 |
| Tennessee | $77,630 | $37.32 | -11.8% | 210 |
| Texas | $66,450 | $31.95 | -24.5% | 920 |
| Utah | $72,600 | $34.90 | -17.5% | 120 |
| Virginia | $77,820 | $37.41 | -11.6% | 280 |
| Washington | $77,690 | $37.35 | -11.7% | 340 |
| West Virginia | $68,550 | $32.96 | -22.1% | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $67,100 | $32.26 | -23.7% | 420 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
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- Nursing Assistants — $42,260/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for microbiologists?
The median annual wage for microbiologists is $87,990 ($42.30 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays microbiologists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many microbiologists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 18,940 microbiologists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do microbiologists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $42.30. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.