As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Microbiologist, Senior in the United States is $77,700. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $61,270 to a high of $93,557, with most professionals earning between $69,100 and $86,000.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $86,000 | $7,167 | $1,654 | $41 |
| Average | $77,700 | $6,475 | $1,494 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,100 | $5,758 | $1,329 | $33 |
An entry-level Microbiologist, Senior with less than 1 year of experience earns about $73,849. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $74,491. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $75,775. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $80,178, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $82,407.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Microbiologist, Senior | $73,849 |
| Intermediate Level Microbiologist, Senior | $74,491 |
| Senior Level Microbiologist, Senior | $75,775 |
| Specialist Level Microbiologist, Senior | $80,178 |
| Expert Level Microbiologist, Senior | $82,407 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 6% |
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, Senior compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $83,250 in 2023 to approximately $82,484 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist, Senior 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, Senior information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Microbiologist, Senior job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Microbiologist, Senior and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $77,700 | 70.6% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $5,944 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $3,108 | 2.8% | ||
| Disability | $1,554 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,374 | 5.8% | ||
| Pension | $4,274 | 3.9% | ||
| Time Off | $11,057 | 10.1% | ||
| Total Compensation | $110,011 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 29.5% |
| Doctorate | 30.7% |
What Am I Worth?
A PhD in microbiology can be worth it, as it opens doors to various high-paying positions. Salaries for microbiologists typically range from $70,400 to $93,200, with a median salary of $79,700. This potential for a lucrative income, combined with the diverse career opportunities, makes pursuing a doctorate a valuable investment.
Yes, NASA does hire microbiologists as part of their integrated team, which includes various specialists like medical technologists and environmental microbiologists. The salary for a senior microbiologist at NASA typically ranges from $70,400 to $93,200, with a mid-salary of around $79,700, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in the role.
Many senior-level positions for microbiologists require a doctorate degree. Microbiologists can pursue either a Medical Doctor degree or a Doctor of Philosophy, depending on their career goals. The salary for senior microbiologists ranges from $70,400 to $93,200, with a median salary of $79,700. Earning a Medical Doctor degree typically takes four years of medical school.
A Senior Microbiologist supervises the operation of microbiology laboratories, focusing on the examination of bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and parasites. The salary for this position ranges from $70,400 to $93,200, with a median salary of $79,700, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in this critical role.
A PhD in microbiology typically takes five to six years to complete. The program is tailored by the student and their advisory committee to ensure a comprehensive understanding of microbiology, equipping graduates for careers in research, academia, industry, or government. Salaries for microbiologists range from $70,400 to $93,200, with a median of $79,700.
The highest paying career in Microbiology is that of a Senior Microbiologist, with an average annual salary ranging from $70,400 to $93,200. The midpoint salary is approximately $79,700, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this field.
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.
