Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists in the U.S. is $127,410 ($61.26 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $127,410
- Mean annual wage
- $129,840
- Median hourly wage
- $61.26
- Employment
- 33,830
33,830 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,290 | $35.71 |
| 25th percentile | $95,000 | $45.67 |
| Median (50th) | $127,410 | $61.26 |
| 75th percentile | $163,460 | $78.59 |
| 90th percentile | $201,110 | $96.69 |
Highest-paying states for biochemists and biophysicists
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $157,390 | 370 |
| California | $139,580 | 3,240 |
| Tennessee | $134,560 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,090 | 2,750 |
| Connecticut | $132,670 | 540 |
| Massachusetts | $131,600 | 14,890 |
| New Jersey | $122,620 | 2,570 |
| District of Columbia | $120,090 | 70 |
| New Hampshire | $109,770 | 200 |
| Michigan | $109,340 | 730 |
Lowest-paying states
- Alabama: $48,510 median annual wage
- Nebraska: $66,910 median annual wage
- Oklahoma: $69,130 median annual wage
- Nevada: $69,220 median annual wage
- Kentucky: $74,710 median annual wage
About this occupation
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.
Typical tasks
- Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
- Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
- Develop methods to process, store, or use foods, drugs, or chemical compounds.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Doctoral or professional degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 49.3% |
| Master's degree | 30.2% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 20.5% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$90,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$82,220
- Chemists$91,240
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$100,580
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62,280
- Biological Technicians$57,510
- School Psychologists$95,990
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.