Biochemists and Biophysicists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $127,410/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$74,290$201,110

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +5.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.

About 2,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

ScienceReading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningLearning StrategiesJudgment and Decision Making

Top knowledge areas

BiologyChemistryMathematicsEnglish LanguagePhysicsEducation and TrainingComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and Technology

Core tasks

• Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.

• Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.

• 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.

• Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.

• Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.

• Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Biochemists and Biophysicists?

The median pay for Biochemists and Biophysicists is $127,410 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Biochemists and Biophysicists?

Employment for Biochemists and Biophysicists is projected to change +5.8% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Biochemists and Biophysicists?

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Biochemists and Biophysicists?

About 2,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.