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Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a biochemist or biophysicist in the United States?
$107,460 per year
According to the BLS.gov, the average salary for a Biochemist and Biophysicist in the United States is $107,460 annually. The lowest salary is $64,680 annually, and the highest is $175,790 annually.
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. The salaries presented here are the 2023 median pay.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 35,700; estimated number of biochemist and biophysicist jobs in 2023. By 2033, 3,200 new jobs are expected to be added.
☀️ The projected job outlook for biochemists and biophysicists is 9%, which is much faster than average.
Work Environment
💼 Biochemists and biophysicists usually work in laboratories and offices.
🏢 60% of biochemists and biophysicists work in scientific research and development services.
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
How Does a Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary Stack Up?
The average biochemist and biophysicist earns $107,460 annually, while patent agents earn an average of $130,168 annually. Patent attorneys earn even more at an average of $185,351 annually.
A biochemist and biophysicist who takes the patent bar exam and transitions into a career in patent law will earn more than those who stay in the science industry. If you already have at least a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or a biophysicist degree, then all you may need is to pass the patent bar exam to start your career in patent law.
Top Biochemist and Biophysicist Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Professional Equipment and Wholesalers | $325,610 |
| Management of Companies | $153,300 |
| Merchant Wholesalers | $152,570 |
| Scientific Consulting Services | $142,340 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | $132,440 |
Salary by Biochemist and Biophysicist Industry
In the U.S., the average biochemist and biophysicist salary is $107,460.
Top Biochemist and Biophysicist salaries by industry indicate that Professional Equipment and Wholesalers offer the highest average salary at $325,610. This is followed by Management of Companies with an average salary of $153,300, and Merchant Wholesalers at $152,570. Scientific Consulting Services and Chemical Manufacturing provide average salaries of $142,340 and $132,440, respectively.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a Biochemist and Biophysicist:
- Analyzing Data or Information — Understanding the core principles, reasons, or facts by breaking information or data into distinct parts.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, storing, or maintaining data in written, electronic, or magnetic forms.
- Thinking Creatively — Inventing, designing, or crafting new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic works.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Staying technically current and applying new insights to your work.
- Getting Information — Gathering, observing, and receiving data from all pertinent sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Evaluating information and results to identify the best solution and resolve issues.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a Biochemist and Biophysicist:
- Science — Applying scientific principles and methods to address problems.
- Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Critical Thinking — Employing logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Writing — Effectively conveying ideas in writing tailored to the audience’s needs.
- Active Learning — Recognizing the impact of new information on current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Active Listening — Attentively listening to others, comprehending their points, asking relevant questions, and avoiding inappropriate interruptions.
Knowledge required to work as a Biochemist and Biophysicist:
- Biology — Understanding plant and animal organisms, including their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and environmental interactions.
- Chemistry — Comprehension of the chemical makeup, structure, and properties of substances, along with the processes and transformations they undergo. This includes the use of chemicals, their interactions, hazards, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- English Language — Familiarity with the structure and content of the English language, including word meanings, spelling, composition rules, and grammar.
- Mathematics — Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.
- Physics — Insight into physical principles and laws, their interconnections, and applications in understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, as well as mechanical, electrical, atomic, and subatomic structures and processes.
Average Education
According to onetonline.org, 40% of biochemists and biophysicists have Post-doctorial training, 25% have a Bachelor’s degree, and 25% had a Doctoral degree.
Top Biochemist and Biophysicist Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
Top Biochemist and Biophysicist salaries by location show that Rochester, NY offers the highest average salary at $146,340. Tampa, FL follows with an average salary of $138,040, while San Francisco, CA offers $137,320. Charlotte, NC and San Jose, CA provide average salaries of $137,270 and $129,930, respectively.
Top Biochemist and Biophysicist salaries by state reveal that California offers the highest average salary at $137,360. Massachusetts follows with an average salary of $126,720, and Virginia offers $125,000. Wisconsin and Michigan provide average salaries of $124,430 and $123,790, respectively.
Take a look at the average Biochemist and Biophysicist salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Rochester, NY | $146,340 |
| Tampa, FL | $138,040 |
| San Francisco, CA | $137,320 |
| Charlotte, NC | $137,270 |
| San Jose, CA | $129,930 |
Look at the average Biochemist and Biophysicist salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $137,360 |
| Massachusetts | $126,720 |
| Virginia | $125,000 |
| Wisconsin | $124,430 |
| Michigan | $123,790 |
Related Careers
Patent Agent
Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.
Average of $130,168/year
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.
Average of $185,351/year
Microbiologist
Microbiologists investigate the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms.
Average of $85,470/year