Microbiologist salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A microbiologist earns a median of $87,990 a year ($42.30 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $97,600. About 18,940 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $87,990
- Gross pay
- $3,384.23
- Federal income tax
- −$404.92
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$209.82
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$49.07
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $2,720.42
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $87,990
- Federal
- $10,528
- FICA
- $6,731
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $70,731
- Marginal federal rate
- 22.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Food Scientist and Technologist: $88,720
- Epidemiologist: $87,220
- Urban and Regional Planner: $89,320
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: $90,150
- Chemist: $91,240
- Life Scientist: $93,750
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist: $82,220
- School Psychologist: $95,990
BLS occupation: Microbiologists. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 19-1022). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a microbiologist make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $42.30; the average is $46.92.
What is the salary range for a microbiologist?
The bottom 10% earn under $54,670 and the top 10% earn over $150,000 a year.
How much is $87,990 after taxes?
About $70,731 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $65,649 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.