What Biochemists and Biophysicists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Biochemists and Biophysicists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes"; "Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes"; "Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work"; "Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences"; "Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is doctoral or professional degree.
Job outlook for Biochemists and Biophysicists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 35,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 39,500 in 2035, an increase of 4,300 jobs (+12.3%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 2,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $127,410, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Biochemists and Biophysicists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $130,406 in Massachusetts to $131,375 in New Hampshire, a gap of $969 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $127,410 and 0 average at or below it.
Massachusetts employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 14,620, which is 52.1% of the 28,070 counted across them. New Hampshire follows with 13,450.
Highest-paying states
New Hampshire ($131,375) and Massachusetts ($130,406) lead the ranking, while Massachusetts ($130,406) and New Hampshire ($131,375) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Biochemists and Biophysicists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (19-1000) include Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
Frequently asked questions about Biochemists and Biophysicists
What is the national median wage for Biochemists and Biophysicists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $127,410. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $130,406 to $131,375.
Which state pays Biochemists and Biophysicists the most?
New Hampshire, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $131,375. Massachusetts is next at $130,406.
What is the job outlook for Biochemists and Biophysicists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 12.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 2,900 openings a year.
What education do Biochemists and Biophysicists need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree, according to BLS.