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Microbiologists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Microbiologists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$108,530
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.1% vs 2024
$114,790
Mean Salary
$108,530
Median Salary
$52.18
Hourly Rate
2,600 people work as Microbiologists in California
Microbiologists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Microbiologists in California earn a median salary of $108,530 per year ($9,044/month).
This is 36.9% above the national average of $79,248.
California ranks #2 out of 42 states for Microbiologists pay.
Approximately 2,600 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.1% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Microbiologists
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Top Skills
Science
4.5
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Writing
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Biology
4.43
English Language
4.14
Chemistry
3.52
Mathematics
3.35
Computers and Electronics
3.3
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(47.8% of workers)
Salaries for Microbiologists in California range from $62,440 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $183,420 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $80,060 and $141,360.
The median annual salary for Microbiologists in California is $108,530 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $114,790.
What is the salary range for a Microbiologists in California?
Salaries for Microbiologists in California range from $62,440 at the 10th percentile to $183,420 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $80,060 and $141,360.
What is the starting salary for a Microbiologists in California?
Entry-level Microbiologists positions in California typically start around $62,440 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $80,060 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Microbiologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,600 people are employed as Microbiologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Microbiologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Microbiologists in California is approximately $52.18 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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