Microbiologist salary in Wilmington, NC
Microbiologists in the Wilmington, NC metro area earn a median of $80,470 a year ($38.69 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $60,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $130,140 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $87,990. Pay here is 6% lower than the North Carolina statewide median of $85,860. The average (mean) salary is $94,920, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for microbiologists in Wilmington, NC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $60,450 | $29.06 |
| 25th percentile | $80,250 | $38.58 |
| Median | $80,470 | $38.69 |
| 75th percentile | $104,220 | $50.11 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $130,140 | $62.57 |
| Average (mean) | $94,920 | $45.63 |
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 | $6,705.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,352.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,095 |
| Weekly | $1,547.50 |
| Hourly | $38.69 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $85,860 | 400 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $85,470 | 80 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $85,010 | 330 |
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 North Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Wilmington, NC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $99,070 | $47.63 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $97,310 | $46.78 |
| Chemist | $78,130 | $37.56 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $65,360 | $31.42 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $85,230 | $40.97 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $68,050 | $32.72 |
| Chemical Technician | $61,200 | $29.42 |
| School Psychologist | $65,750 | $31.61 |
| Biological Technician | $62,960 | $30.27 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $76,700 | $36.88 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $46,830 | $22.51 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $102,990 | $49.51 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $63,520 | $30.54 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $46,480 | $22.35 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Wilmington, NC
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 Wilmington, NC?
The median salary for microbiologists in the Wilmington, NC metro area is $80,470 a year, or $38.69 an hour. Pay ranges from $60,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $130,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid microbiologists make in Wilmington, NC?
The top 10% of microbiologists in the Wilmington, NC metro area earn at least $130,140 a year. The top 25% earn $104,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for microbiologists in Wilmington, NC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $60,450 a year, and a quarter of microbiologists earn $80,250 or less.