Illinois Median
$92,050
per year
Hourly Rate
$44.25
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+5% vs US median
US median $87,990
State Rank
#6 of 42
1,470 employed here
How much does a Microbiologist make in Illinois?
A Microbiologist working in Illinois earns a median salary of $92,050 per year, or about $44.25 per hour. That is 5% above the national median of $87,990 for this occupation.
Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $59,780 while the top 10% make $127,300 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $66,770 and $112,210 a year.
Microbiologist salary range in Illinois
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $59,780 | $28.74 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $66,770 | $32.10 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $92,050 | $44.25 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $112,210 | $53.95 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,300 | $61.20 |
|
How Illinois compares
Illinois ranks 6th out of 42 states and territories for Microbiologist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Microbiologist salary in other states
Massachusetts $122,350California $108,530Maryland $108,470Georgia $103,070New Jersey $96,020Oregon $89,220Montana $87,750Connecticut $86,360North Carolina $85,860Pennsylvania $84,650Minnesota $83,400Delaware $82,770Colorado $81,640New York $81,090Florida $80,930Iowa $79,830New Hampshire $79,430Michigan $78,680Missouri $78,590Indiana $77,900Virginia $77,820Washington $77,690Tennessee $77,630Alaska $76,320Utah $72,600Ohio $72,500Nebraska $72,470Hawaii $70,970South Dakota $70,530Kansas $70,500Arizona $69,880West Virginia $68,550Wisconsin $67,100Kentucky $66,500Texas $66,450Idaho $65,940Alabama $65,690South Carolina $64,740Nevada $64,490Mississippi $61,690Arkansas $59,750
Working as a Microbiologist in Illinois
Nationally, about 19,000 people work as Microbiologists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($92,050) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Microbiologist make in Illinois?
The median Microbiologist salary in Illinois is $92,050 per year, or about $44.25 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $59,780 at the entry level to $127,300 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Microbiologists about 5% more than the national median of $87,990. Illinois ranks 6th out of 42 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Microbiologists?
Yes on pay — Illinois pays above the national median for this occupation, at $92,050 a year. About 1,470 Microbiologists are employed in Illinois. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
The highest-paying occupations in Illinois include Cardiologist ($517,850), Surgeon, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologist ($435,750), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Microbiologist salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.