Microbiologist salary in Richmond, VA
Microbiologists in the Richmond, VA metro area earn a median of $90,930 a year ($43.72 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $57,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,600 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $87,990. Pay here is 17% higher than the Virginia statewide median of $77,820. There are 0.07 microbiologists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.58). The average (mean) salary is $97,920, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for microbiologists in Richmond, VA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,060 | $27.43 |
| 25th percentile | $72,510 | $34.86 |
| Median | $90,930 | $43.72 |
| 75th percentile | $129,600 | $62.31 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $129,600 | $62.31 |
| Average (mean) | $97,920 | $47.08 |
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 | $7,577.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,788.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,497.31 |
| Weekly | $1,748.65 |
| Hourly | $43.72 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $114,800 | 1,370 |
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 Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Richmond, VA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Life Scientists, All Other | $70,050 | $33.68 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $77,100 | $37.07 |
| Epidemiologist | $82,460 | $39.64 |
| Forester | $66,430 | $31.94 |
| Conservation Scientist | $66,180 | $31.82 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $73,920 | $35.54 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $79,220 | $38.09 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $80,350 | $38.63 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $83,420 | $40.11 |
| Biological Technician | $65,210 | $31.35 |
| Chemical Technician | $50,790 | $24.42 |
| Chemist | $87,580 | $42.11 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $72,880 | $35.04 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $45,800 | $22.02 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Richmond, VA
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 Richmond, VA?
The median salary for microbiologists in the Richmond, VA metro area is $90,930 a year, or $43.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,600 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid microbiologists make in Richmond, VA?
The top 10% of microbiologists in the Richmond, VA metro area earn at least $129,600 a year. The top 25% earn $129,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for microbiologists in Richmond, VA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,060 a year, and a quarter of microbiologists earn $72,510 or less.
How many microbiologists work in Richmond, VA?
About 50 microbiologists are employed in the Richmond, VA metro area, not counting the self-employed.