Microbiologist salary in Rochester, NY
Microbiologists in the Rochester, NY metro area earn a median of $68,850 a year ($33.10 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $106,580 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $87,990. Pay here is 15% lower than the New York statewide median of $81,090. There are 0.13 microbiologists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $76,880, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for microbiologists in Rochester, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,730 | $23.43 |
| 25th percentile | $62,320 | $29.96 |
| Median | $68,850 | $33.10 |
| 75th percentile | $96,170 | $46.24 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $106,580 | $51.24 |
| Average (mean) | $76,880 | $36.96 |
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 | $5,737.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,868.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,648.08 |
| Weekly | $1,324.04 |
| Hourly | $33.10 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $85,710 | 1,330 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $79,910 | 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 New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $107,010 | $51.45 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $90,040 | $43.29 |
| Conservation Scientist | $66,990 | $32.21 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $64,560 | $31.04 |
| School Psychologist | $73,050 | $35.12 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $84,570 | $40.66 |
| Chemist | $84,030 | $40.40 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $95,780 | $46.05 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $75,160 | $36.13 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $51,370 | $24.70 |
| Chemical Technician | $57,020 | $27.41 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $89,230 | $42.90 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $92,550 | $44.50 |
| Biological Technician | $47,670 | $22.92 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, NY
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 Rochester, NY?
The median salary for microbiologists in the Rochester, NY metro area is $68,850 a year, or $33.10 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $106,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid microbiologists make in Rochester, NY?
The top 10% of microbiologists in the Rochester, NY metro area earn at least $106,580 a year. The top 25% earn $96,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for microbiologists in Rochester, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,730 a year, and a quarter of microbiologists earn $62,320 or less.
How many microbiologists work in Rochester, NY?
About 60 microbiologists are employed in the Rochester, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.