How much does a Microbiologist make?

The average salary for a Microbiologist is $68,112 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 2319 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Microbiologist employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Microbiologist in United States is $85,896 per year.

The lowest salary for a Microbiologist in United States is $54,172 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Microbiologist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Microbiologist.

Microbiologist salaries are generally on par with other Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) researchers. Microbiologists who work for the federal government or private sector firms usually earn more than those who work for colleges or universities. Microbiologists whose expertise lies at the intersection of computer science, statistics and microbiology are particularly competitive candidates, and thus generally command higher pay. As new diseases emerge and spread across the increasingly connected world, greater funding for infectious disease research is projected to further increase their pay.

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In anonymous ratings left by employees, 59% of microbiologists expressed satisfaction with their salaries. This field offers the potential of $3,589.58 in additional pay through stock options and profit sharing. As you progress in your career, you can earn experience and command a higher salary.

You can become a microbiologist with a bachelor's degree, although you'll earn closer to peak compensation of $105,648.46 if you earn a doctorate in the field. Entry-level microbiologists' pay is about $44,100.66, which includes salary, bonuses, and benefits. The overall average salary in this profession is $64,522.81, with higher earnings if you work for the federal government or in private research and development.

Education and experience influence your salary as a microbiologist. You can pursue a master's or doctorate degree to research or teach in this field, both of which increase available earnings. As far as experience, you can reach the higher-paying senior microbiologist level with a minimum of two years of experience and the microbiologist IV level with much more. You can also increase your microbiologist salary by earning credentials from professional organizations such as the American Society of Microbiology, the American Board of Medical Microbiology and the American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology.

When you enter negotiations for a job as a microbiologist, you should have an idea of what you expect to earn based on salaries for comparable positions in your area. In addition to doing your research to come up with a target salary number, show the employer how you can bring value to the organization through your previous experience, publications, education, or certifications. As an entry-level candidate, you can highlight internships, volunteer work, and student research, particularly if you earned experience in a similar position while working toward your degree.