Food Microbiology Lab Manager information
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$62.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$61.5K - $71K
7% of jobs
The median wage is $87.4K / yr.
$80.5K - $90K
9% of jobs
$109K - $118.5K
7% of jobs
$118.5K - $128K
5% of jobs
$128.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$128K - $137.5K
14% of jobs
$137.5K - $147K
12% of jobs
How much do food microbiology lab manager jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for food microbiology lab manager in the United States is $96,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A Food Microbiology Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory that tests food products for microbial contamination and safety. Their responsibilities include supervising laboratory staff, ensuring quality control and compliance with food safety regulations, managing laboratory equipment, and interpreting test results. They play a critical role in preventing foodborne illnesses by ensuring that food products are free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Additionally, they may develop testing protocols, provide staff training, and communicate findings to regulatory agencies or company leadership.
To thrive as a Food Microbiology Lab Manager, you need a strong background in microbiology, food science, and laboratory management, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), aseptic techniques, and certifications such as ISO 17025 or HACCP is crucial. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and efficient team coordination in food safety environments.
Food Microbiology Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as keeping up-to-date with evolving food safety standards, ensuring that all laboratory staff are trained on current protocols, and maintaining strict documentation for audits. They must also manage the calibration and maintenance of sensitive equipment to guarantee accurate results, while balancing time-sensitive testing demands from production teams. Effective communication with quality assurance, regulatory, and production departments is crucial to promptly address potential contamination issues and uphold compliance.
What are popular job titles related to Food Microbiology Lab Manager jobs?
For Food Microbiology Lab Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are: