Biochemists and biophysicists
SOC Code: 19-1021Also known as:
Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biochemistry Scientist, Biological Chemist, Biophysicist
Median Annual Salary
$103,650
+5.8% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
36K
Current Jobs
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.
💰 Salary
$103,650
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.8%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
35,600
Projected Employment (2034)
37,600
Related Careers
Microbiologists
$87,330 •
+4.1% growth
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330 •
+1.2% growth
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590 •
+8.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Science
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Doctoral Training
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Biochemists and biophysicists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a biochemists and biophysicists:
Biochemistry
9,737 degrees awarded •
591 colleges offer this program
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
1,482 degrees awarded •
96 colleges offer this program
Pharmaceutics and Drug Design
603 degrees awarded •
36 colleges offer this program
Molecular Biochemistry
466 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Biophysics
345 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
264 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Molecular Biophysics
187 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Biomechanics
62 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Structural Biology
14 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Biochemists and biophysicists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become biochemists and biophysicists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do biochemists and biophysicists make?
The median annual salary for biochemists and biophysicists is $103,650.
What education do biochemists and biophysicists need?
Most biochemists and biophysicists positions require a doctoral or professional degree.
Common degree programs include Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutics and Drug Design.
Is becoming biochemists and biophysicists a good career choice?
Biochemists and biophysicists is projected to see +5.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 2,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for biochemists and biophysicists?
Top colleges for aspiring biochemists and biophysicists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, The University of Texas at Austin, University of California-San Diego, Johns Hopkins University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to biochemists and biophysicists?
Biochemists and biophysicists may also be known as: Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biochemistry Scientist, Biological Chemist, Biophysicist, Biophysics Researcher, Clinical Biochemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Researcher, Forensic Toxicologist, Formulation Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Physical Biochemist, Protein Biochemist, Protein Biochemistry Scientist, R&D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist), Research Biochemist, Scientist, Toxicologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.