Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary
Biochemists and Biophysicists earn a median $127,410 a year nationally. Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
What biochemists and biophysicists 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.
- Typical education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +12.3% (much faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 2,900
- Self-employed
- 3%
Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 12.3% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Biochemist and Biophysicist take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$19,312
- Social Security (6.2%)$7,899
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,847
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$98,351
Marginal rate: 24% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $74,290 | $35.72 | $61,093 |
| 25th percentile | $95,000 | $45.67 | $75,663 |
| Median (50th) | $127,410 | $61.25 | $98,351 |
| 75th percentile | $163,460 | $78.59 | $122,991 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $201,110 | $96.69 | $149,745 |
Best cities for biochemists and biophysicists (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia, PA | $134,090 | $98,800 | $96,339 | 3,050 |
| 2 | Boston, MA | $131,550 | $94,823 | $87,583 | 13,370 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Philadelphia, PA — $134,090
- Boston, MA — $131,550
Biochemist and Biophysicist salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $157,390 | +5.7% | $118,842 | $63,950 – $239,200+ | 370 |
| California | $139,580 | +7.2% | $96,103 | $83,580 – $208,210 | 3,240 |
| Tennessee | $134,560 | +45.5% | $103,238 | $82,140 – $229,640 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,090 | +18.8% | $98,800 | $82,890 – $172,820 | 2,750 |
| Connecticut | $132,670 | — | $96,136 | $97,200 – $170,700 | 540 |
| Massachusetts | $131,600 | +3.2% | $94,855 | $79,560 – $208,130 | 14,890 |
| New Jersey | $122,620 | +18.6% | $89,456 | $80,070 – $162,240 | 2,570 |
| District of Columbia | $120,090 | — | $86,074 | $62,080 – $182,100 | 70 |
| New Hampshire | $109,770 | +5.6% | $86,053 | $73,240 – $139,380 | 200 |
| Michigan | $109,340 | +70.3% | $81,354 | $58,580 – $142,350 | 730 |
| South Carolina | $109,080 | +32.4% | $80,180 | $70,270 – $149,130 | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $106,480 | +4.0% | $79,476 | $85,730 – $146,380 | 170 |
| Virginia | $105,780 | −3.2% | $77,978 | $74,640 – $221,880 | 70 |
| Delaware | $101,880 | +0.8% | $75,120 | $62,210 – $155,080 | 490 |
| Iowa | $101,090 | +25.8% | $76,757 | $65,950 – $136,840 | 140 |
| New York | $101,080 | +5.9% | $75,016 | $66,140 – $165,710 | 980 |
| Maryland | $100,650 | +0.9% | $75,220 | $65,510 – $159,330 | 690 |
| Washington | $98,840 | −8.3% | $78,364 | $64,010 – $128,040 | 270 |
| Kansas | $97,850 | — | $73,007 | $63,550 – $153,340 | 140 |
| Texas | $97,510 | +3.1% | $77,428 | $61,820 – $222,850 | 520 |
| Ohio | $90,000 | +8.2% | $70,452 | $58,580 – $138,490 | 350 |
| Illinois | $87,010 | +8.0% | $65,879 | $60,060 – $173,140 | 150 |
| Georgia | $85,680 | — | $65,282 | $77,280 – $228,170 | 110 |
| Maine | $84,560 | −12.0% | $63,768 | $66,570 – $132,830 | 390 |
| Arkansas | $82,390 | −42.6% | $63,791 | $65,030 – $152,020 | — |
| North Carolina | $82,220 | — | $63,900 | $62,850 – $160,940 | 570 |
| Utah | $81,990 | +4.8% | $63,786 | $49,870 – $157,320 | 160 |
| Minnesota | $81,280 | −1.6% | $62,007 | $62,370 – $126,930 | 190 |
| Missouri | $79,550 | +9.6% | $61,992 | $64,760 – $132,420 | 290 |
| Rhode Island | $76,710 | +1.1% | $60,536 | $64,550 – $135,980 | — |
| Kentucky | $74,710 | +0.1% | $58,891 | $57,020 – $199,580 | 40 |
| Nevada | $69,220 | — | $57,526 | $42,050 – $149,430 | — |
| Oklahoma | $69,130 | — | $54,898 | $51,750 – $101,100 | 70 |
| Nebraska | $66,910 | −3.3% | $53,736 | $51,470 – $89,240 | 70 |
| Alabama | $48,510 | −16.0% | $38,997 | $47,090 – $85,520 | 90 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $98,920 | Bachelor's degree | +4.7% |
| Microbiologist | $87,990 | Bachelor's degree | +6.2% |
| Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | $76,780 | Bachelor's degree | +3.6% |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $103,410 | Doctoral or professional degree | +12.6% |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $93,750 | Bachelor's degree | +6.3% |
| Food Scientist and Technologist | $88,720 | Bachelor's degree | +6.2% |
| Epidemiologist | $87,220 | Master's degree | +18.7% |
| Soil and Plant Scientist | $78,850 | Bachelor's degree | +6.7% |
| Forester | $76,400 | Bachelor's degree | +2.2% |
| Conservation Scientist | $73,010 | Bachelor's degree | +5.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a biochemist and biophysicist make?
The national median salary for biochemists and biophysicists is $127,410 a year ($61.25 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $74,290 and the top 10% earn over $201,110. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays biochemists and biophysicists the most?
Florida has the highest median pay at $157,390. After taxes and local prices, Philadelphia, PA offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many biochemists and biophysicists are there in the U.S.?
About 33,830 people work as biochemists and biophysicists nationwide.