Microbiologist salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Microbiologists in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn a median of $90,460 a year ($43.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $64,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $143,810 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $87,990. Pay here is 1% higher than the Oregon statewide median of $89,220. There are 0.12 microbiologists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $99,420, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for microbiologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $64,220 | $30.88 |
| 25th percentile | $75,850 | $36.47 |
| Median | $90,460 | $43.49 |
| 75th percentile | $102,970 | $49.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $143,810 | $69.14 |
| Average (mean) | $99,420 | $47.80 |
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 | $7,538.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,769.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,479.23 |
| Weekly | $1,739.62 |
| Hourly | $43.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $90,460 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Microbiologist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $77,690 | 220 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $112,640 | $54.16 |
| Conservation Scientist | $83,580 | $40.18 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $89,880 | $43.21 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $95,600 | $45.96 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $94,940 | $45.64 |
| Forester | $89,780 | $43.16 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $80,050 | $38.49 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $109,580 | $52.69 |
| Epidemiologist | $98,110 | $47.17 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $62,660 | $30.13 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $97,410 | $46.83 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $98,050 | $47.14 |
| Biological Technician | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $86,680 | $41.67 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median salary for microbiologists in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area is $90,460 a year, or $43.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $64,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $143,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid microbiologists make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The top 10% of microbiologists in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn at least $143,810 a year. The top 25% earn $102,970 or more.
What is the starting pay for microbiologists in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $64,220 a year, and a quarter of microbiologists earn $75,850 or less.
How many microbiologists work in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
About 140 microbiologists are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.