Microbiologist salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Microbiologists in the Athens-Clarke County, GA metro area earn a median of $112,440 a year ($54.06 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $91,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $185,870 for the top 10%. That is 28% higher than the national median of $87,990. Pay here is 9% higher than the Georgia statewide median of $103,070. There are 0.86 microbiologists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 7.1× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $123,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for microbiologists in Athens-Clarke County, GA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $91,210 | $43.85 |
| 25th percentile | $99,030 | $47.61 |
| Median | $112,440 | $54.06 |
| 75th percentile | $144,870 | $69.65 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $185,870 | $89.36 |
| Average (mean) | $123,910 | $59.57 |
Half of microbiologists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $9,370 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,685 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,324.62 |
| Weekly | $2,162.31 |
| Hourly | $54.06 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Microbiologist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $109,320 | 630 |
Highest-paying states for microbiologists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $122,350 |
| California | $108,530 |
| Maryland | $108,470 |
| Georgia | $103,070 |
| New Jersey | $96,020 |
| Illinois | $92,050 |
| Oregon | $89,220 |
| Montana | $87,750 |
| Connecticut | $86,360 |
| North Carolina | $85,860 |
See Microbiologist pay in every state or the Georgia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Athens-Clarke County, GA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $83,390 | $40.09 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $52,890 | $25.43 |
| Chemist | $117,990 | $56.72 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $42,360 | $20.36 |
| Biological Technician | $64,360 | $30.94 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $83,650 | $40.22 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $76,200 | $36.63 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | $96,820 | $46.55 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $59,370 | $28.54 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-1022. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a microbiologist make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median salary for microbiologists in the Athens-Clarke County, GA metro area is $112,440 a year, or $54.06 an hour. Pay ranges from $91,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $185,870 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid microbiologists make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The top 10% of microbiologists in the Athens-Clarke County, GA metro area earn at least $185,870 a year. The top 25% earn $144,870 or more.
What is the starting pay for microbiologists in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $91,210 a year, and a quarter of microbiologists earn $99,030 or less.
How many microbiologists work in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
About 80 microbiologists are employed in the Athens-Clarke County, GA metro area, not counting the self-employed.