Microbiologist I pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000101
- Class code
- 32000101
- Pay group
- NC14
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Microbiologist I is $52,592 to $92,036 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000101.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The OSHR class specification for this class is published by North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 06/2018.
What the state says the job is
This is professional microbiology work in the food, feed, and pesticide laboratory in the Department of Agriculture. Employees in this class perform a wide variety of laboratory procedures to evaluate food, feed, pesticides and occasionally cosmetics that are produced, processed or marketed in the state to ensure that they are microbiologically safe and are of the quality claimed by the producers. Under the general supervision of a lead microbiologist, employees examine products for sanitary indicators, spoilage, pathogenic organisms, disinfectant efficacy against claimed organisms) and antibiotic assay to ensure that products meet declared label claims. Employees rotate among the food, feed and pesticide units for crosstraining purposes, for weekend technical support in the completion of tests, for emergencies and for support when unusually large numbers of complaints are received.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Working knowledge of the microbiological techniques involved in the extraction, culture, isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria. Working knowledge of the microbiological techniques involved in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of antibiotics in feed and food products. Working knowledge of the microbiological techniques involved in the efficacy evaluation of disinfectants. General knowledge of morphological and cultural characteristics of microorganisms. Ability to understand and practice aseptic and sanitary laboratory techniques. Ability to perform multiple tests under stringent time restrictions.
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science or a related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. <h2
Quoted from the OSHR class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) publishes this figure in OSHR salary schedules, joined to Class Specifications. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their salary grades come from the Class Specifications, joined to the salary schedule.
Nearby classes in North Carolina
Microbiologist I in other states
| State | Minimum | Maximum | Per year at full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $66,864 | $100,464 | $66,864 to $100,464 |
| Maine | $20.73 | $28.73 | $43,118 to $59,758 |
| Massachusetts | $2,712 | $3,949 | $70,521 to $102,666 |
| Nevada | $52,200 | $76,609 | $52,200 to $76,609 |
| South Carolina | $40,086 | $68,136 | $40,086 to $68,136 |
| Texas | $40,918 | $61,130 | $40,918 to $61,130 |
Each state publishes its own range for a classification with this exact title. Duties, grade structures and bargaining units differ between states, so read each class page before comparing.