Microbiologists Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
The median pay for a microbiologists in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $108,970/year ($52.39/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $74K at the entry level to $166K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 92.18), which stretches that salary to about $118,214 in buying power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,274/month, or 17.5% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $109K get you in Memphis?
About microbiologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Entry-level microbiologists (10th percentile) start around $74K. Mid-career wages sit at $109K.Top earners bring in $166K or more - a $91K spread from bottom to top.
Microbiologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $126K | +45% | 2,110 |
| California | $107K | +23% | 2,510 |
| Maryland | $101K | +16% | 2,040 |
| Georgia | $97K | +11% | 990 |
| Maine | $95K | +9% | 60 |
| Oregon | $89K | +2% | 160 |
| Montana | $89K | +2% | 110 |
| Virginia | $88K | +1% | 160 |
| New Hampshire | $86K | -1% | 170 |
| New York | $86K | -2% | 1,090 |
| Minnesota | $85K | -2% | 430 |
| North Carolina | $82K | -6% | 1,320 |
| Connecticut | $82K | -6% | 290 |
| New Jersey | $82K | -6% | 1,080 |
| Indiana | $80K | -8% | 230 |
Track microbiologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Memphis numbers change.
Related careers in Science
Frequently asked questions
How much do microbiologists make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median is $108,970 a year - that works out to about $52.39 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $74,430, and experienced microbiologists can clear $165,680. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $109K enough to live in Memphis?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,087/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,274/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 18% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a microbiologists salary go in Memphis?
Memphis has a Regional Price Parity of 92.18 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median microbiologists salary is worth about $118,214 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do microbiologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.