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.
Biochemists and Biophysicists
SOC: 19-1021 O*NET: 19-1021.00
Median Salary
$103,650
per year
Job Growth
📈 5.8%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Biochemists and Biophysicists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$64,890
10th percentile
Early Career
$78,730
25th percentile
Median
$103,650
50th percentile
Experienced
$134,460
75th percentile
Top Earners
$168,900
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$64,890
25th
$78,730
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$103,650
Mean: $115,570
75th
$134,460
90th
$168,900
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $104,010 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $78,730 and $134,460
- •Salary spread is 53.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 34,520 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:35,600
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services64.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services64.9%
Scientific Research and Development Services58.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+5.8%
Annual Openings:2,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)35,600
Current
2034 (Projected)37,600
+5.8%
+2,100
Employment Change
+5.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Biochemists and Biophysicists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 35 locations
Massachusetts
13,530 jobs$127,52016.59x
California
4,190 jobs$130,2401.04x
Pennsylvania
2,530 jobs$112,8501.88x
New Jersey
2,180 jobs$103,3602.29x
New York
1,660 jobs$95,4100.78x
Indiana
1,350 jobs$63,5701.89x
Michigan
980 jobs$64,2000.99x
Colorado
930 jobs$01.44x
Maryland
760 jobs$99,8001.24x
Texas
710 jobs$94,5600.23x
Washington
530 jobs$107,7300.66x
North Carolina
510 jobs$00.46x
Florida
510 jobs$148,8800.23x
Delaware
470 jobs$101,1204.41x
Ohio
410 jobs$83,1500.33x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Science
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Active Learning
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Learning Strategies
40%
Skills Overview
Science
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Learning
intermediate3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Science
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Learning Strategies
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Molecular and Cellular Biologists100%
5 shared skills
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Anthropologists and Archeologists82%
5 shared skills
Astronomers82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Active Listening
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Science
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Science
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Learning
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechPerl
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
SAP software
Adobe Photoshop
Perl
Python
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft PowerPoint
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (7)Management & Supervision (2)General Responsibilities (9)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision94% perform96%
4
Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Biochemists and Biophysicists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Biochemists and Biophysicists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value recognition
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Biochemists and Biophysicists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.95
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.90
Persistence
CriticalPersistence
Importance Level4.85
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.75
Achievement/Effort
CriticalAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.60
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.60
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
5.0
Analytical Thinking
4.9
Persistence
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.8
Achievement/Effort
4.6
Dependability
4.6
Initiative
4.5
Innovation
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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