As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Microbiologist IV in the United States is $93,591 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Microbiologist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
Recruit with AI
A Microbiologist IV's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Microbiologist IV's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiologist I | 0-2 years | $58,754 |
| Microbiologist II | 2-4 years | $72,768 |
| Microbiologist III | 4-7 years | $83,108 |
| Microbiologist IV | 7+ years | $93,591 |
| Microbiologist V | 7-10 years | $133,898 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Microbiologist IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.67% |
| Chemistry | 3.5% |
| Calibration | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$98,271 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$97,335 |
4%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$97,335 |
4%
|
|
Laboratory Equipment
|
$97,335 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$95,463 |
2%
|
|
Aseptic Technique
|
$95,463 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Microbiologist IVs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Microbiologist IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $85,643 and $90,131).
Microbiologist IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 34.1% |
| Associates | 29.3% |
| Bachelors | 34.1% |
| Masters | 29.3% |
| Doctorate | 34.1% |
Understanding how a Microbiologist IV's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Microbiologist IV, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Biologist V | $137,010 | 46% |
| Geologist V | $131,499 | 41% |
| Geophysicist V | $192,016 | 105% |
| Microbiologist V | $133,898 | 43% |
Salaries for a Microbiologist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,117 in 2023 to around $101,658 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Microbiologist IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $104,117 |
| 2024 | $102,351 |
| 2025 | $101,658 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Microbiologist IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Microbiologist IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Microbiologist IV's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Microbiologist IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Microbiologist IV is $118,046.
The highest pay for Microbiologist IV is $110,894.
The lowest pay for Microbiologist IV is $75,352.
Identifies, isolates, and studies micro-organisms, bacteria and their byproducts. Tracks environmental microscopic life development and collects samples from a variety of locations. Examines, records, analyzes and interprets data from samples. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
