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, Biochemistry Scientist, Biological Chemist, Biophysicist, Biophysics Researcher
Median pay
$127,410
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$74,290 – $201,110
People employed
33,830
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
Biochemists and Biophysicists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (34 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What biochemists and biophysicists do
- 01Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- 02Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- 03Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- 04Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- 05Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- 06Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from biochemists and biophysicists
- Physicists86% · +35%
- Nanosystems Engineers85% · group pay
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers80% · −14%
- Astronomers77% · +1%
- Materials Scientists77% · −8%
Change into biochemists and biophysicists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Astronomers87% · $128,820
- Nanosystems Engineers85% · $122,930
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers83% · $109,370
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary81% · $93,250
- Physicists79% · $172,250
Majors that lead here
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biochemistry
- Molecular Biophysics
- Structural Biology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
- Biomechanics
- Pharmaceutics and Drug Design
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.