Microbiologist salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Microbiologists in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $69,880 a year ($33.60 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $54,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,580 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $87,990. Pay here is about the same as the Arizona statewide median of $69,880. There are 0.03 microbiologists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.21). The average (mean) salary is $72,310, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for microbiologists in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $54,510 | $26.21 |
| 25th percentile | $57,670 | $27.73 |
| Median | $69,880 | $33.60 |
| 75th percentile | $88,630 | $42.61 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,580 | $48.84 |
| Average (mean) | $72,310 | $34.77 |
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 | $5,823.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,911.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,687.69 |
| Weekly | $1,343.85 |
| Hourly | $33.60 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $108,390 | $52.11 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $95,780 | $46.05 |
| Epidemiologist | $67,260 | $32.34 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $82,510 | $39.67 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $67,970 | $32.68 |
| Conservation Scientist | $70,300 | $33.80 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $124,260 | $59.74 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $89,480 | $43.02 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $80,600 | $38.75 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $107,470 | $51.67 |
| School Psychologist | $93,640 | $45.02 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $65,220 | $31.36 |
| Biological Technician | $61,280 | $29.46 |
| Chemist | $78,060 | $37.53 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for microbiologists in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $69,880 a year, or $33.60 an hour. Pay ranges from $54,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid microbiologists make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of microbiologists in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $101,580 a year. The top 25% earn $88,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for microbiologists in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $54,510 a year, and a quarter of microbiologists earn $57,670 or less.
How many microbiologists work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 60 microbiologists are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.