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How much does a Microbiologist make?

The average salary for a Microbiologist is $63,731 per year in the US.

Microbiologists earn a solid income. They study tiny organisms like bacteria and viruses. The average yearly salary for a microbiologist stands at about $63,731. This figure reflects the central tendency in pay across the profession.

Pay can vary based on experience, education, and location. Some microbiologists start lower, around $37,000. The more experience they gain, the higher their salary. Those with the most experience can earn upwards of $138,675 a year. This broad range shows the profession offers many opportunities for growth and advancement.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Microbiologist?

Microbiologists can find excellent opportunities in cities with higher average salaries. San Jose, CA, offers the top average salary at $119,670. Atlanta, GA, follows closely with an average salary of $113,842. These cities present attractive options for those in this field. Beyond these top earners, cities like Spokane, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer competitive wages. Minneapolis, MN, and San Diego, CA, provide solid average salaries, making them worthwhile destinations for job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Microbiologist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $119,670 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $65,499.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $119,670
    San Jose offers a vibrant environment for those in the science field. Companies like Illumina and Bio-Rad Laboratories are leading in biotechnology. They provide opportunities to work on cutting-edge research and development projects.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $113,842
    Atlanta boasts a thriving tech and research scene. Companies such as Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offer numerous roles. This city supports a mix of clinical and academic microbiology positions.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  3. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $89,937
    Spokane is known for its strong focus on health and wellness. Institutions like Providence Health & Services provide a range of opportunities. Working here means engaging with innovative healthcare projects and research.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Spokane, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $89,561
    In Los Angeles, the biotech industry is robust. Companies like Amgen and Genentech are hubs for microbiological research. Professionals in this city enjoy a dynamic environment with diverse projects.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $87,797
    Boston is a hub for academic and medical research. Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital offer top-tier positions. This city is perfect for those seeking a mix of clinical and research opportunities.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $79,311
    Chicago features a strong healthcare sector. Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the University of Chicago are key employers. Here, microbiologists engage in impactful research and clinical work.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $74,375
    Minneapolis has a growing biotech industry. Companies like 3M and Mayo Clinic provide exciting opportunities. This city supports a balance between research and clinical applications in microbiology.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $70,772
    San Diego’s biotech sector is booming. Institutions like Scripps Research Institute and Salk Institute offer diverse roles. Professionals here work on cutting-edge projects with a focus on innovation.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $66,249
    Allentown offers a supportive environment for healthcare research. Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network provide numerous opportunities. This city is ideal for those seeking a mix of clinical and research work.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Allentown, PA


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $65,499
    Austin’s tech and research scene is on the rise. Companies like Dell and various research institutions offer exciting roles. This city provides a vibrant environment for those interested in innovative microbiological work.
    Find Microbiologist jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Microbiologist can work for?

Companies like Heluna Health and Kelly offer some of the best salaries for Microbiologist jobs. These companies value their microbiologists and offer competitive pay. For those seeking a top-paying job, these employers provide attractive opportunities. Abbott and West Valley Medical Center also pay well for microbiologists. These companies understand the importance of skilled microbiologists in their work. Job seekers can expect good salaries and benefits at these places.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Microbiologist jobs, highlighting Heluna Health with the highest at $80,082 and Bureau Veritas with the lowest at $41,667.
  1. Heluna Health
    Average Salary: $80,082
    Heluna Health offers rewarding Microbiologist jobs with a strong focus on public health. With locations across California, this company provides ample opportunities for growth and impactful work. Microbiologists here engage in critical research and testing that aid in disease prevention and control.


  2. Kelly
    Average Salary: $71,654
    Kelly provides dynamic Microbiologist positions with a strong emphasis on science and technology. The company operates globally, with offices in various countries, allowing professionals to work in different settings and environments. Microbiologists at Kelly contribute to innovative projects that push the boundaries of microbial research.


  3. Alabama Department of Public Health
    Average Salary: $67,572
    The Alabama Department of Public Health offers Microbiologist jobs that focus on community health and safety. The department operates across Alabama, providing a network of locations where professionals can make a significant impact. Microbiologists here play a vital role in ensuring public health standards are met through rigorous testing and analysis.


  4. Abbott
    Average Salary: $66,218
    Abbott provides Microbiologist jobs in a global setting, known for its innovation in health and nutrition. With locations in many countries, this company offers diverse opportunities for professionals to engage in cutting-edge research and development. Microbiologists at Abbott work on projects that improve health outcomes on a global scale.


  5. West Valley Medical Center
    Average Salary: $65,010
    West Valley Medical Center offers Microbiologist jobs with a focus on patient care and safety. The center operates in Fresno, California, providing a community-centric environment. Microbiologists here are involved in critical tasks such as diagnostic testing and infection control, ensuring high standards of healthcare.


  6. Momentum Staffing Group
    Average Salary: $61,296
    Momentum Staffing Group offers a variety of Microbiologist jobs with opportunities in several locations. The company’s network allows professionals to work in diverse environments, from laboratories to field settings. Microbiologists contribute to projects that support environmental health and safety standards.


  7. Méérieux NutriSciences
    Average Salary: $45,433
    Méérieux NutriSciences provides Microbiologist positions focused on food safety and quality control. With operations in numerous countries, the company offers an international platform for professionals. Microbiologists here work on projects that ensure food products meet the highest safety standards.


  8. Bureau Veritas
    Average Salary: $41,667
    Bureau Veritas offers Microbiologist jobs that focus on testing and certification services. With locations worldwide, this company provides opportunities for professionals to engage in projects that enhance product safety and compliance. Microbiologists at Bureau Veritas conduct critical tests that ensure product quality and safety.

How to earn more as a Microbiologist?

A career in microbiology offers many opportunities for growth and increased earning potential. Understanding key strategies can help a microbiologist advance in their career and earn more. One significant factor is gaining specialized certifications. These can enhance knowledge and skills in specific areas, making a microbiologist more valuable to employers.

Another key factor is pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. or a Master's in Microbiology. Higher education often leads to higher salaries and more research opportunities. Networking also plays a crucial role in advancing a microbiology career. Building relationships with other professionals in the field can open doors to new job opportunities and collaborations. Staying updated with the latest research and technologies in microbiology helps maintain a competitive edge. Finally, gaining experience in diverse settings, such as academic research, healthcare, or industry, broadens skill sets and increases marketability.

Here are some factors to consider for increasing earnings:

  1. Earn specialized certifications
  2. Pursue advanced degrees
  3. Build a strong professional network
  4. Stay updated with the latest research and technologies
  5. Gain experience in diverse settings

Currently 94 Microbiologist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Microbiologist in the US?

Learn what a Microbiologist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Microbiologist today.
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Microbiologist
94 Job Openings