As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Microbiologist, Lead/Master in the United States is $129,000. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $103,209 to a high of $143,710, with most professionals earning between $115,500 and $136,700.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $136,700 | $11,392 | $2,629 | $66 |
| Average | $129,000 | $10,750 | $2,481 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,500 | $9,625 | $2,221 | $56 |
An entry-level Microbiologist, Lead/Master with less than 1 year of experience earns about $123,560. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $124,567. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $125,575. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $126,985, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $129,575.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $123,560 |
| Intermediate Level Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $124,567 |
| Senior Level Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $125,575 |
| Specialist Level Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $126,985 |
| Expert Level Microbiologist, Lead/Master | $129,575 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 3% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 2% |
| Experienced | 0% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Microbiologist, Lead/Master compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $135,095 in 2023 to approximately $126,864 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist, Lead/Master salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Microbiologist, Lead/Master information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Microbiologist, Lead/Master job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Microbiologist, Lead/Master and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $129,000 | 72.3% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $9,869 | 5.5% | ||
| 401K/403B | $5,160 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $2,580 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,374 | 3.6% | ||
| Pension | $7,095 | 4.0% | ||
| Time Off | $18,358 | 10.3% | ||
| Total Compensation | $178,435 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 1.3% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 16.0% |
| Masters | 22.7% |
| Doctorate | 58.7% |
What Am I Worth?
Pursuing a master's in microbiology can be worthwhile, as it opens doors to diverse career paths such as biomedical scientist, microbiologist, or researcher. With salaries ranging from $96,000 to $144,700, the investment in education can lead to significant financial rewards and professional growth in the field.
A good salary for a microbiologist with a master's degree in the USA typically ranges from $96,000 to $144,700 annually, with a median salary around $124,600. This reflects the higher earning potential associated with advanced degrees, surpassing the average earnings for those with only a bachelor's degree.
Among the highest-paying doctoral degrees in the USA, a PhD in Microbiology stands out, particularly for roles like Lead/Master Microbiologist. Salaries in this field range from a minimum of $96,000 to a mid-level of $124,600, with top earners making up to $144,700. This makes it a lucrative option for those pursuing advanced studies in microbiology.
Graduates with a PhD in microbiology can expect a salary range of $96,000 to $144,700, with a mid-salary of $124,600. Career opportunities include research and teaching, reflecting the demand for expertise in this field.
The highest paying career in Microbiology is that of a Lead/Master Microbiologist, with salaries ranging from $96,000 to $144,700 annually. The average salary for this role is approximately $124,600, making it one of the most lucrative positions in the field.
A Master’s in Microbiology in the USA can expect to earn between $96,000 and $144,700 annually. The average salary is around $124,600, with top earners making up to $144,700. This reflects a competitive salary range for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of advanced education and expertise in microbiology.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
