Microbiologists Salary in Columbia, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, SC

Median annual salary $55,140 -36.9% vs national
Median hourly $26.51
10th percentile $52,210
90th percentile $88,690
National median $87,330

Compare Microbiologists salary & buying power

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Microbiologists
in
Columbia, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $52,210
    25th
    $52,210
    50th (median)
    $55,140
    75th
    $62,930
    90th
    $88,690

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $66,146 2023 • Census ACS
    Microbiologists salary vs area income 83% Median Microbiologists salary is 17% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Microbiologists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $129,830
    Worcester, MA $127,120
    Massachusetts $126,260
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $126,140
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $124,580
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $123,590

    Nearby metros — Microbiologists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $126,140
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $77,940
    Wisconsin $63,470

    Related occupations in Columbia, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $53,960
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $77,890
    Chemical Technicians $61,320
    School Psychologists $77,080
    Chemists $65,450
    Social Science Research Assistants $69,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Microbiologists make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Microbiologists in Columbia, SC is $26.51, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $42.64 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Microbiologists salaries?

    The median Microbiologists salary in Columbia, SC is 36.9% below the national median of $87,330. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Microbiologists in Columbia?

    Entry-level Microbiologists (10th percentile) earn around $52,210 per year in Columbia, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $52,210.