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Microbiologist Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a microbiologist in the United States?
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. The salaries presented here are the 2023 median pay.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 23,200; estimated number of microbiologists in 2023 with an estimated 1,600 additional jobs by 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook is 7% which is faster than average.
Work Environment
💼 Microbiologists typically work in laboratories or office settings.
🏢 29% of microbiologists work in research and development departments.
Microbiologist Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
Top Microbiologist Salaries by Industry
Industry | Average Salary |
---|---|
Federal, State, and Local Government | $130,270 |
Navigational and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $106,180 |
Scientific Research and Development Services | $104,150 |
Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | $101,670 |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $101,630 |
Salary by Microbiologist Industry
In the U.S., the average microbiologist salary is $85,470.
The Top Microbiologist salaries by industry indicate that the Federal, State, and Local Governments offer the highest average salary, at $130,270.
Navigational and Control Instruments Manufacturing follows with an average salary of $106,180, and Scientific Research and Development Services offers $104,150.
Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers and General Medical and Surgical Hospitals provide average salaries of $101,670 and $101,630, respectively.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a microbiologist:
- Working with Computers — Engaging with computer systems, including both hardware and software, to program, develop software, configure functions, input data, or manage information.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Breaking down data or information into components to uncover underlying principles, reasons, or facts.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Capturing, transcribing, storing, or maintaining information in written, electronic, or magnetic formats.
- Getting Information — Gathering, observing, and acquiring data from all relevant sources.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Applying relevant knowledge and personal judgment to assess if events or processes adhere to laws, regulations, or standards.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a microbiologist:
- Science — Applying scientific principles and methods to address and solve issues.
- Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Critical Thinking — Employing logic and reasoning to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to challenges.
- Writing — Effectively communicating through writing, tailored to meet the audience’s needs.
- Active Learning — Recognizing the impact of new information on current and future problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Knowledge required to work as a microbiologist:
- Biology — Understanding plant and animal organisms, including their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and environmental interactions.
- Chemistry — Comprehending the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances, as well as the processes and transformations they undergo, including chemical uses, interactions, warnings, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- English Language — Familiarity with the structure and content of the English language, encompassing word meanings, spelling, composition rules, and grammar.
- Computers and Electronics — Insight into circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, covering applications and programming.
Top Microbiologist Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
Top Microbiologist salaries by location show that Vellejo, CA offers the highest average salary at $138,400. Vallejo, CA follows with an average salary of $127,520, and San Francisco, CA offers $125,430. Boston, MA and Washington, DC provide average salaries of $120,040 and $115,460, respectively.
Top Microbiologist salaries by state reveal that Massachusetts offers the highest average salary at $119,460. California follows with an average salary of $110,660, and Maryland offers $107,940. Georgia and Virginia provide average salaries of $105,420 and $95,190, respectively.
Take a look at the average microbiologist salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
City | Average Salary |
---|---|
Vellejo, CA | $138,400 |
Vallejo, CA | $127,520 |
San Francisco, CA | $125,430 |
Boston, MA | $120,040 |
Washington, DC | $115,460 |
Look at the average microbiologist salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
State | Average Salary |
---|---|
Massachusetts | $119,460 |
California | $110,660 |
Maryland | $107,940 |
Georgia | $105,420 |
Virginia | $95,190 |
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