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Average Microbiologists Salary in Madison, WI

Microbiologists in Madison, WI, can expect an average annual salary of $78,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $93,240, reflecting specific local economic factors and demand within the region. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the context of the local job market is crucial for a complete financial picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $78,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,290.
  • Outlook: The microbiologist job market in Madison, WI, demonstrates significant concentration, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 7.53, far exceeding the national average. With a local workforce of 390 professionals, this suggests a robust and specialized demand for these skills within the area, implying a stable job environment for qualified individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$78,940

The average Microbiologists in Madison, WI earns-15.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38

Weekly

$1,518

Monthly

$6,578

Microbiologists Salary Distribution in Madison, WI

The career trajectory for microbiologists in Madison, WI, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of the substantial career progression and earning potential available as one accumulates expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$50,500$24.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$59,205$28.5
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$79,530$38.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$98,675$47.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$103,290$49.7

Detailed Microbiologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$78,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$78,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $78,940 for microbiologists in Madison, WI, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making it a neutral factor in relocation decisions from a cost perspective.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

0.965

Per 1K Jobs

7.53

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Madison, WI has 7.5x the national concentration of Microbiologists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Madison, WI, exhibits an exceptionally high concentration of microbiologists, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 7.53. This indicates that the field is significantly more prevalent in Madison than the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive job market where expertise in microbiology is highly valued and sought after.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Microbiologists

CitySalaryDist.
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Microbiologists Salary$65,070 18%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Madison, WI

Hiring Microbiologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Microbiologists make in Madison, WI?

The median annual salary for a Microbiologists in Madison, WI is $78,940. This typically ranges from $50,500 for entry-level positions to $103,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 15.3% lower than the national median of $93,240.

Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Microbiologists?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $78,940 is below the national average, the extremely high concentration (LQ of 7.53) suggests strong local demand and potential for career growth within specialized roles.

Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Microbiologists?

The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI ($65,070) and others.

How does the number of microbiologists in Madison compare nationally?

Madison, WI has 0.965 microbiologists per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a concentrated local workforce in this field.

What is the significance of a Location Quotient of 7.53?

A Location Quotient of 7.53 means that microbiologists are employed in Madison, WI at a rate 7.53 times higher than the national average, signifying a strong regional specialization.

How does the cost of living in Madison affect a microbiologist's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Madison's cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $78,940 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Is the microbiologist job market in Madison growing?

While specific growth rates aren't provided, the high Location Quotient suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for microbiologists due to the area's specialization in the field.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 0.965 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.