Microbiologists Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
The median pay for a microbiologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $96,290/year ($46.3/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $67K at the entry level to $114K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $91,339 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,922/month — about 31.8% of take-home, which is tight.
So what does $96K get you in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro’s Regional Price Parity (105.42). Rent from HUD Fair Market Rents. Taxes estimated for single filer, standard deduction. * Healthcare is the employee-paid share only (premiums + out-of-pocket). Actual costs vary by coverage type: employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace, or uninsured.
About microbiologists
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Entry-level microbiologists (10th percentile) start around $67K. Mid-career wages sit at $96K. Top earners bring in $114K or more, a $47K 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 |
| South Dakota | $78K | -11% | 130 |
| Washington | $77K | -12% | 350 |
| Alaska | $77K | -12% | 40 |
| Iowa | $76K | -12% | 160 |
| Ohio | $76K | -13% | 530 |
| Delaware | $76K | -13% | 180 |
| Mississippi | $76K | -13% | 40 |
| Illinois | $74K | -15% | 840 |
| Florida | $74K | -15% | 300 |
| Nebraska | $73K | -16% | 70 |
| Nevada | $72K | -17% | 50 |
| Tennessee | $71K | -19% | 190 |
| Pennsylvania | $71K | -19% | 780 |
| Michigan | $71K | -19% | 340 |
| Missouri | $69K | -21% | 130 |
| Utah | $68K | -22% | 140 |
| Hawaii | $65K | -26% | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $63K | -27% | 690 |
| Kentucky | $63K | -28% | 80 |
| Texas | $63K | -28% | 690 |
| Kansas | $62K | -28% | 160 |
| North Dakota | $61K | -30% | 40 |
| Arkansas | $61K | -30% | 140 |
| Idaho | $60K | -31% | 60 |
| South Carolina | $58K | -34% | 90 |
| Alabama | $56K | -36% | 90 |
Showing 1–10 of 41 states
BLS does not publish data for every state when sample sizes are too small
Track microbiologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do microbiologists make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median is $96,290 a year, that works out to about $46 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $67,170, and experienced microbiologists can clear $113,990. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $96K enough to live in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,686/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,922/month, which eats 33.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a microbiologists salary go in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median microbiologists salary is worth about $91,339 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.