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Career overview · SOC 19-1021

Biochemists and Biophysicists

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.

Also called: Analytical Research Chemist · Biochemist · Biophysics Researcher · Scientist

Median pay (national)
$103,650
$64,890–$168,900 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
34,520
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+5.8%
~2,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
Doctoral or professional degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for biochemists and biophysicists shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $168,900 versus $64,890 at the bottom 10% — 2.6x. The median of $103,650 leaves roughly 63% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +5.8% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 2,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 32 states with released data, Florida pays the most for this role (median $148,880, +44% vs the national median), while Alabama sits lowest at $57,720 — a 158% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Science, Reading Comprehension, Writing as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Electronic lab notebook software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Monitoring

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.

Tools & technology

  • Electronic lab notebook software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Perl
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • 3D graphics software

Knowledge areas

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Physics
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology