Biochemists and Biophysicists earn a median of $127,410 per year ($61.26/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 12.3% through 2035, with about 2,900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
- SOC 19-1021
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Biochemist and Biophysicist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $127,410a year, or $61.26/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $74KTop 10% $201K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +12.3%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+12.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +12.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,90035,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202535.2K
- Projected 203539.5K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 35.2K Projected 2035 39.5K - Typical education
- Doctorateneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Bachelor's25%
- Professional degree10%
- Doctorate25%
- Post-doctoral training40%
Highest education held by biochemists and biophysicists Segment Value Bachelor's 25% Professional degree 10% Doctorate 25% Post-doctoral training 40%
Also advertised as: Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biophysics Researcher, Scientist.
Pay
How much do Biochemists and Biophysicists make?
Every biochemist and biophysicist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$127,410
Middle half earn $95,000 to $163,460
- 10th
- $74,290
- 25th
- $95,000
- 75th
- $163,460
- 90th
- $201,110
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $74,290 |
| 25th | $95,000 |
| Median | $127,410 |
| 75th | $163,460 |
| 90th | $201,110 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $127,410
- Median hourly wage
- $61.26/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $129,840
- People employed
- 33,830
Versus all US occupations
At $127,410, Biochemists and Biophysicists earn 150% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $76,430 a year.
Versus life, physical, and social science occupations
Inside the Life, Physical, and Social Science group, where the middle occupation pays $82,220, this is 55% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $201,110 or more while the bottom 10% earn $74,290, a gap of 2.7×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 87% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Florida pays the most at $157,390, and still leads at $152,194 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Biochemists and Biophysicists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Florida | $157,390 | $152,194 | 370 |
| 2California | $139,580 | $126,066 | 3,240 |
| 3Tennessee | $134,560 | $146,468 | 60 |
| 4Pennsylvania | $134,090 | $137,427 | 2,750 |
| 5Connecticut | $132,670 | $128,047 | 540 |
| 6Massachusetts | $131,600 | $124,436 | 14,890 |
| 7New Jersey | $122,620 | $112,697 | 2,570 |
| 8District of Columbia | $120,090 | $109,271 | 70 |
| 9New Hampshire | $109,770 | $105,381 | 200 |
| 10Michigan | $109,340 | $113,639 | 730 |
Job outlook
Is Biochemist and Biophysicist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +12.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | +12.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Biochemists and Biophysicists to change 12.3% over 2025–2035, roughly 3.5× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 4,300 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,900 openings are projected each year, 8.2% of the 35,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Biochemists and biophysicists will continue to be needed to do basic research that increases scientific knowledge and to research and develop biological products and processes that improve people’s lives. Techniques, tools, and applications of biochemistry and biophysics are expanding as technology and knowledge progress.
The aging population will drive demand for new drugs and procedures to prevent, cure, or manage disease. This increased demand is, in turn, likely to create demand for biochemists and biophysicists involved in biomedical research. For example, biochemists and biophysicists will be needed to conduct genetic research and to develop new medicines and treatments that are used to fight genetic disorders and diseases, such as cancer. They also will be needed to develop new tests used to detect diseases and other illnesses.
Areas of research and development in biotechnology other than health also are expected to provide employment growth for biochemists and biophysicists. These workers will likely continue to be needed to study topics that advance our capabilities related to clean energy, efficient food production, and environmental protection.
Getting in
How to become a Biochemist and Biophysicist
Biochemists and biophysicists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research-and-development positions. Most Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders are qualified for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Doctoral or professional degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as biochemists and biophysicists.
- Post-Doctoral Training40%
- Bachelor's Degree25%
- Doctoral Degree25%
- First Professional Degree10%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Doctoral Training | 40% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 25% |
| Doctoral Degree | 25% |
| First Professional Degree | 10% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Biochemist and Biophysicist do?
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.
Day-to-day tasks
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most biochemists and biophysicists work full time and keep regular hours. They may have to work additional hours to meet project deadlines or to perform time-sensitive laboratory experiments.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where biochemists and biophysicists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Scientific research and development services61%
- Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing17%
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state5%
- Wholesale trade2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific research and development services | 61% |
| Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing | 17% |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | 5% |
| Wholesale trade | 2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Science4.8
- Reading Comprehension4.4
- Writing4.3
- Critical Thinking4.3
- Active Listening4.1
- Speaking4.1
- Active Learning4.1
- Learning Strategies4.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Science | 4.8 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.4 |
| Writing | 4.3 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.3 |
| Active Listening | 4.1 |
| Speaking | 4.1 |
| Active Learning | 4.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 4.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving4.1
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0
- Instructing3.6
- Systems Analysis3.4
- Operations Analysis3.1
- Systems Evaluation3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Coordination3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.0 |
| Instructing | 3.6 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.4 |
| Operations Analysis | 3.1 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Biochemist and Biophysicist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Biochemist and Biophysicist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 7 |
| Artistic | 3 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Investigative7.0
- Realistic5.1
- Conventional3.6
- Artistic2.6
- Social2.1
- Enterprising1.8
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Biochemist and Biophysicist
O*NET related occupations
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists
$103,410median a year
Most earn $65K to $178K
+12.6%Doctorate - Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Architecture and Engineering
More life, physical, and social science careers
Median annual pay, with biochemists and biophysicists highlighted
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist$193,950
- Physicist$172,250
- Biochemist and Biophysicist$127,410
- Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Chemist$91,240
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health$82,220
- Conservation Scientist$73,010
- Chemical Technician$60,390
- Biological Technician$57,510
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $193,950 |
| Physicist | $172,250 |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist | $127,410 |
| Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists | $103,410 |
| Chemist | $91,240 |
| Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health | $82,220 |
| Conservation Scientist | $73,010 |
| Chemical Technician | $60,390 |
| Biological Technician | $57,510 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Biochemist and Biophysicist appears on
Questions
Biochemist and Biophysicist: frequently asked questions
How much do Biochemists and Biophysicists make?
Biochemists and Biophysicists earn a median of $127,410 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 150% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $61.26/hr. The middle half earn between $95,000 and $163,460. The top 10% earn $201,110 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Biochemist and Biophysicist?
Yes, and beyond a bachelor's: BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry requirement for Biochemists and Biophysicists. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 40.0% hold post-doctoral training.
Is Biochemist and Biophysicist a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 12.3% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Biochemist and Biophysicist do?
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. A core O*NET task: share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise application integration software.
Which states pay Biochemists and Biophysicists the most?
The highest state medians for Biochemists and Biophysicists are Florida ($157,390), California ($139,580), Tennessee ($134,560) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Biochemist and Biophysicist?
O*NET scores Biochemists and Biophysicists highest on the Investigative, Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are INTJ, ISTP. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.