Microbiologists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a microbiologists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $105,630/year ($50.78/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $191K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $97,015 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 34.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $106K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About microbiologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level microbiologists (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $106K.Top earners bring in $191K or more - a $128K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do microbiologists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $105,630 a year - that works out to about $50.78 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $63,130, and experienced microbiologists can clear $191,280. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $106K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,380/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 35.2% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $97,015 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.