How much do Biochemists and Biophysicists make?
The median pay for Biochemists and Biophysicists in the United States is $127,410 per year — about $61.25 per hour. Entry-level positions start near $74,290, while the most experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $201,110.
That is $66,020 more than the median across all occupations in BLS data ($61,390).
Biochemists and Biophysicists salary range by percentile
Half of all Biochemists and Biophysicists earn between $95,000 and $163,460 a year.
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $74,290 | $35.72 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $95,000 | $45.67 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $127,410 | $61.25 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $163,460 | $78.59 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $201,110 | $96.69 |
Highest-paying states for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Where you work matters more than almost anything else. Florida leads the country for Biochemists and Biophysicists pay at $157,390 a year, followed by California ($139,580) and Tennessee ($134,560). At the other end, Alabama posts the lowest median at $48,510 — a gap of $108,880 for the same job, driven by local demand, industry mix, and cost of living.
| # | State | Median salary | Hourly | vs national |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | $157,390 | $75.67 | +24% |
| 2 | California | $139,580 | $67.11 | +10% |
| 3 | Tennessee | $134,560 | $64.69 | +6% |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $134,090 | $64.47 | +5% |
| 5 | Connecticut | $132,670 | $63.78 | +4% |
Biochemists and Biophysicists salary in every state
Official BLS state-level figures across 35 states and territories. Click a state for the full local breakdown.
Workforce and education
About 34,000 people work as Biochemists and Biophysicists in the United States. On qualifications: a doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required, per O*NET occupation data.
Frequently asked questions
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