How much does a Microbiologist make?
Microbiologists study tiny organisms like bacteria and viruses. They work in labs, hospitals, and research centers. Their job is to understand how these organisms affect health and the environment. The average yearly salary for a microbiologist is around $63,368. This means they earn a good living for their important work.
The salary for microbiologists can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn more. For example, the top-earning microbiologists make over $133,000 a year. This is a rewarding career for those who enjoy science and helping others. The job market for microbiologists is also growing. This means more opportunities are available for those who want to enter this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Microbiologist?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $118,718
San Jose offers a thriving tech industry with many opportunities for microbiologists. Companies like Illumina and Genentech seek experts to improve health and technology. The city's vibrant environment makes it a great place to work and live.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $108,494
Atlanta is a hub for healthcare and research. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University provide excellent opportunities. The city's growing tech scene also offers diverse job prospects.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $84,668
Boston is a center for education and research. Harvard and MIT offer many positions. The city's rich history and culture make it a rewarding place to work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $80,813
Los Angeles has a diverse job market with many opportunities in biotech and pharmaceuticals. Companies like Amgen and Pfizer offer exciting roles. The city's warm climate and vibrant lifestyle add to the appeal.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $77,123
Chicago is known for its strong healthcare sector. Companies like Abbott Laboratories and Northwestern Memorial Hospital provide top-notch opportunities. The city's vibrant culture and sports scene make it a great place to live.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $74,375
Minneapolis offers a mix of healthcare and research opportunities. Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota are prominent employers. The city's friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities make it a desirable place to work.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $70,095
San Diego is a hub for biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Illumina and Scripps Research Institute offer many positions. The city's beautiful beaches and mild weather make it an attractive place to live.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $68,113
Salt Lake City offers a growing job market in healthcare and research. The University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare provide many opportunities. The city's natural beauty and outdoor activities add to its appeal.
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Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $67,298
Allentown has a strong presence in the pharmaceutical industry. Companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals and St. Luke's University Health Network offer many positions. The city's affordable cost of living and community feel make it a great place to work.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $61,474
St. Louis offers a mix of healthcare and research opportunities. Washington University and the St. Louis Zoo provide many positions. The city's rich history and affordable living make it an attractive place to work.
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What are the best companies a Microbiologist can work for?

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Heluna Health
Average Salary: $81,466
Heluna Health offers rewarding Microbiologist jobs with a focus on public health. They operate in California, providing opportunities to work in various locations. Their roles often involve research and community health projects.
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Kelly
Average Salary: $72,462
Kelly provides diverse Microbiologist positions across the United States. They focus on temporary and permanent placements. Microbiologists at Kelly work in labs, research, and quality assurance.
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Momentum Staffing Group
Average Salary: $65,250
Momentum Staffing Group offers Microbiologist jobs with a focus on healthcare and pharmaceuticals. They operate nationwide, providing roles in labs and research facilities. Their positions often involve clinical research and testing.
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Abbott
Average Salary: $65,202
Abbott is a global leader in healthcare, offering Microbiologist jobs in various locations. They focus on diagnostics and medical devices. Microbiologists at Abbott work in research, quality control, and product development.
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Astrix Technology Group
Average Salary: $56,000
Astrix Technology Group provides Microbiologist positions in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. They operate in multiple states, offering roles in labs and research. Their positions often involve clinical trials and product testing.
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State of New Mexico
Average Salary: $53,042
The State of New Mexico offers Microbiologist jobs focused on public health and research. They operate in various locations across New Mexico. Their roles include environmental testing and disease control.
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Certified Group
Average Salary: $49,000
Certified Group provides Microbiologist positions in the food and beverage industry. They operate in multiple states, offering roles in quality assurance and research. Their positions often involve testing and compliance with safety standards.
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Eurofins
Average Salary: $47,333
Eurofins offers Microbiologist jobs in environmental, food, and pharmaceutical testing. They operate globally, with locations in the United States. Their roles include lab testing, research, and quality control.
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Deibel Laboratories
Average Salary: $45,500
Deibel Laboratories provides Microbiologist positions in environmental and industrial testing. They operate in California, offering roles in labs and fieldwork. Their positions often involve water and soil testing.
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Mérieux NutriSciences
Average Salary: $42,944
Mérieux NutriSciences offers Microbiologist jobs in food safety and quality control. They operate in multiple states, providing roles in labs and research. Their positions often involve testing for contaminants and pathogens.
How to earn more as a Microbiologist?
Microbiologists can find many ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on certain areas, they can boost their salary and career satisfaction. One key factor is gaining specialized skills. These skills can make a microbiologist more valuable to employers. For example, expertise in genetic engineering or bioinformatics can lead to higher-paying positions.
Another important factor is pursuing advanced degrees. A master's or Ph.D. can open doors to higher-paying roles. These degrees often lead to research positions or teaching jobs that offer better compensation. Networking also plays a big role. Building connections within the industry can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help with this. Experience matters too. Working in different environments, such as industry labs or government agencies, can lead to higher salaries. Finally, staying current with industry trends ensures a microbiologist remains competitive in the job market.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a microbiologist:
- Gain specialized skills in areas like genetic engineering or bioinformatics.
- Pursue advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D.
- Network with professionals in the field through conferences and organizations.
- Gain experience in various environments like industry labs or government agencies.
- Stay current with industry trends to remain competitive.



