U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Interior / Microbiology

Job-title file

Microbiology

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

25 employees hold this title in Department of Interior. Median total compensation for the role is $122,463, above the department median of $87,331.

Employees: 25
Total payroll: $3.1M
Role median: $122,463
Agency median: $87,331
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$42,639$191,900+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 25 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Microbiology pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Microbiologists — about 18,940 people — is $87,990. Department of Interior pays a median base salary of $122,463 for this role, 39% above that figure — about the 75th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Interior sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$54,670

$67,100

$87,990

$122,350

$150,000

Department of Interior median · $122,463

The bar is the range of annual wages for Microbiologists across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Interior’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Interior is $122,463, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Microbiology is held in 8 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Interior, the median of $122,463 ranks #6 of 8.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Energy

$191,900 · 3

Department of Homeland Security

$162,710 · 4

Environmental Protection Agency

$140,040 · 46

Department of Commerce

$134,302 · 18

Department of Health and Human Services

$133,692 · 1,185

Department of Veterans Affairs

$120,646 · 37

Department of Agriculture

$113,751 · 433

Median total compensation for the Microbiology role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Same department

Other job titles in Department of Interior

Accounting 397
Administrative Officer 660
Archeology 605
Auditing 328
Biological Science Technician 1,061
Budget Analysis 1,019
Civil Engineering 1,159
Contracting 1,087
Custodial Working 265
Dispatching 313
Ecology 580
Education and Training Technician 778
Education and Vocational Training 819
Engineering Equipment Operating 721
Engineering Technical 462
Environmental Protection Specialist 398
Equipment Facilities, and Services 248
Facility Operations Services 578
Financial Administration and Program 781
Financial Clerical and Assistance 612
Fish and Wildlife Administration 279
Fish Biology 862
Forestry 284
Forestry Technician 1,608
General Attorney 538
General Business and Industry 850
General Engineering 228
General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences 4,489
General Physical Science 902
Geography 379
Geology 816
Geophysics 298
Grants Management 340
Guide 704
Human Resources Assistance 298
Human Resources Management 1,132
Hydrologic Technician 1,497
Hydrology 1,230
Industrial Equipment Mechanic 239
Information Technology Management 2,116
Laboring 263
Land Law Examining 212
Maintenance Mechanic 2,768
Management and Program Analysis 1,671
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 2,936
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 1,940
Motor Vehicle Operating 313
Outdoor Recreation Planning 387
Park Ranger 3,459
Petroleum Engineering 308
Program Management 647
Public Affairs 435
Rangeland Management 271
Realty 796
Safety and Occupational Health Management 277
Secretary 310
Training Instruction 207
Wildland Fire Management 259
Wildlife Biology 811
Wildlife Refuge Management 507

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Gael Kurath

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Seattle
Work county: King
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $155,849
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531960033
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Interior, Gael Kurath serves as a Microbiology based in Seattle, Washington. Their 2024 pay totaled $191,900. They are classified at grade 15.

Mark Marvin-Dipasquale

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Menlo Park
Work county: San Mateo
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 062140081
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Interior, Mark Marvin-Dipasquale serves as a Microbiology based in Menlo Park, California. Their 2024 pay totaled $191,900. They are classified at grade 14.

Denise Akob

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$185,824

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $185,824
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,824
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Reston
Work county: Fairfax
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $185,824
Basic Pay (before locality): $139,445
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 512034059
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Denise Akob is a Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Reston, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $185,824. They are classified at grade 15.

John Hansen

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$178,885

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $177,885
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $178,885
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Seattle
Work county: King
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $177,885
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531960033
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

John Hansen works as a Microbiology for Department of Interior based in Seattle, Washington. John earned $178,885 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Christina Kellogg

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$172,481

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $172,481
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $172,481
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Saint Petersburg
Work county: Pinellas
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $172,481
Basic Pay (before locality): $147,647
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122730103
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Christina Kellogg is a Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. 2024 total compensation came to $172,481. They are classified at grade 15.

Muruleedhara Byappanahalli

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$163,698

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $163,698
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $163,698
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Porter
Work county: Porter
Work state: Indiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $163,698
Basic Pay (before locality): $125,526
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 184030127
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Muruleedhara Byappanahalli is a Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Porter, Indiana. 2024 total compensation came to $163,698. They are classified at grade 14.

Jill Jenkins

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$163,000

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $162,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $100
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $163,000
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Lafayette
Work county: Lafayette
Work state: Louisiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $139,445
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 221230055
Length of Service (Years): 32
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jill Jenkins is a Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Lafayette, Louisiana. 2024 total compensation came to $163,000. They are classified at grade 15.

John Lisle

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$142,566

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $142,566
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,566
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Saint Petersburg
Work county: Pinellas
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $142,566
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122730103
Length of Service (Years): 22
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Interior, John Lisle serves as a Microbiology based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Their 2024 pay totaled $142,566. They are classified at grade 14.

Hon Ip

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$134,419

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $134,419
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $134,419
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Madison
Work county: Dane
Work state: Wisconsin

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $134,419
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 552780025
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Hon Ip works as a Microbiology for Department of Interior based in Madison, Wisconsin. Hon earned $134,419 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Jeffrey Lorch

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$134,419

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $134,419
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $134,419
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Madison
Work county: Dane
Work state: Wisconsin

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $134,419
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 552780025
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Interior, Jeffrey Lorch serves as a Microbiology based in Madison, Wisconsin. Their 2024 pay totaled $134,419. They are classified at grade 14.

Jeffrey Hall

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$130,988

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $130,988
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $130,988
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Madison
Work county: Dane
Work state: Wisconsin

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $130,988
Basic Pay (before locality): $112,128
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 552780025
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jeffrey Hall holds the role of Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2024, their total compensation was $130,988. Their pay grade is 13.

Eveline Emmenegger

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$126,585

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $126,585
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $126,585
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Seattle
Work county: King
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $126,585
Basic Pay (before locality): $96,770
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531960033
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Eveline Emmenegger is a Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Seattle, Washington. 2024 total compensation came to $126,585. They are classified at grade 12.

Deborah Repert

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$122,463

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $122,463
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $122,463
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Boulder
Work county: Boulder
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $122,463
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,289
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 080200013
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Deborah Repert holds the role of Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Boulder, Colorado. In 2024, their total compensation was $122,463. Their pay grade is 12.

Shaun Baesman

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$116,849

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $116,849
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $116,849
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Bainbridge Isl Winslow
Work county: Kitsap
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $116,849
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 530111035
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Shaun Baesman holds the role of Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Bainbridge Isl Winslow, Washington. In 2024, their total compensation was $116,849. Their pay grade is 12.

Erin Stelzer

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$102,757

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $102,757
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,757
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Columbus
Work county: Franklin
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,757
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391800049
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Erin Stelzer works as a Microbiology for Department of Interior based in Columbus, Ohio. Erin earned $102,757 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Christopher Kephart

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$102,757

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $102,757
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,757
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Columbus
Work county: Franklin
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,757
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391800049
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Christopher Kephart works as a Microbiology for Department of Interior based in Columbus, Ohio. Christopher earned $102,757 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Michael Bonds

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$98,555

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $98,555
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,555
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Madison
Work county: Dane
Work state: Wisconsin

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,555
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 552780025
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Michael Bonds holds the role of Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2024, their total compensation was $98,555. Their pay grade is 12.

Sara Eldridge

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$98,555

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $98,555
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,555
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Helena
Work county: Lewis and Clark
Work state: Montana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,555
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 300590049
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sara Eldridge is a Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Helena, Montana. 2024 total compensation came to $98,555. They are classified at grade 12.

Jennifer Underwood

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$94,107

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $94,107
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,107
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Boulder
Work county: Boulder
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $94,107
Basic Pay (before locality): $72,457
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 080200013
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jennifer Underwood holds the role of Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Boulder, Colorado. In 2024, their total compensation was $94,107. Their pay grade is 11.

Devin Jones

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$89,860

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $89,860
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $89,860
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Bozeman
Work county: Gallatin
Work state: Montana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $89,860
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,922
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 300130031
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Devin Jones is a Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Bozeman, Montana. 2024 total compensation came to $89,860. They are classified at grade 12.

Dorothy Chase

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$88,491

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $87,291
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,200
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,491
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Seattle
Work county: King
Work state: Washington

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $87,291
Basic Pay (before locality): $66,731
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 531960033
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Dorothy Chase holds the role of Microbiology at Department of Interior based in Seattle, Washington. In 2024, their total compensation was $88,491. Their pay grade is 09.

Jessica Cicale

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$68,774

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $68,774
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $68,774
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Columbus
Work county: Franklin
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $68,774
Basic Pay (before locality): $56,465
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391800049
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Interior, Jessica Cicale serves as a Microbiology based in Columbus, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $68,774. They are classified at grade 09.

Logan Bashline

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$59,966

Sub-department: United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Base pay: $59,966
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $59,966
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Lamar
Work county: Clinton
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $59,966
Basic Pay (before locality): $51,332
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 424175035
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Logan Bashline works as a Microbiology for Department of Interior based in Lamar, Pennsylvania. Logan earned $59,966 in 2024. Their pay grade is 09.

Anne Wood

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$49,025

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $49,025
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $49,025
Pay grade: 07
Work city: La Crosse
Work county: La Crosse
Work state: Wisconsin

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $49,025
Basic Pay (before locality): $41,966
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 552490063
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Anne Wood holds the role of Microbiology at Department of Interior based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2024, their total compensation was $49,025. Their pay grade is 07.

Maxim Schroeder

Microbiology/Department of Interior

2024 total comp

$42,639

Sub-department: Geological Survey
Base pay: $42,639
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $42,639
Pay grade: 05
Work city: Columbus
Work county: Franklin
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $42,639
Basic Pay (before locality): $35,007
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391800049
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0403
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Maxim Schroeder works as a Microbiology for Department of Interior based in Columbus, Ohio. Maxim earned $42,639 in 2024. Their pay grade is 05.