Microbiologist salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Microbiologists in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $114,840 a year ($55.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $143,220 for the top 10%. That is 31% higher than the national median of $87,990. Pay here is 48% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $77,630. There are 0.11 microbiologists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $112,180, close to the median.
Pay range for microbiologists in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,690 | $24.37 |
| 25th percentile | $74,600 | $35.86 |
| Median | $114,840 | $55.21 |
| 75th percentile | $143,220 | $68.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $143,220 | $68.86 |
| Average (mean) | $112,180 | $53.93 |
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 | $9,570 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,785 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,416.92 |
| Weekly | $2,208.46 |
| Hourly | $55.21 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $77,620 | 100 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $51,520 | 70 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $86,380 | $41.53 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $66,450 | $31.95 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $81,990 | $39.42 |
| Biological Technician | $50,840 | $24.44 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $59,330 | $28.52 |
| Chemical Technician | $56,390 | $27.11 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $71,870 | $34.55 |
| School Psychologist | $84,390 | $40.57 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $78,950 | $37.96 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $78,320 | $37.65 |
| Chemist | $76,980 | $37.01 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $57,740 | $27.76 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $51,880 | $24.94 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $96,610 | $46.45 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for microbiologists in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $114,840 a year, or $55.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $50,690 for the lowest-paid 10% to $143,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid microbiologists make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of microbiologists in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $143,220 a year. The top 25% earn $143,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for microbiologists in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,690 a year, and a quarter of microbiologists earn $74,600 or less.
How many microbiologists work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 70 microbiologists are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.