Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Applying scientific concepts, methods, evidence, and reasoning to understand or solve problems.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Biochemists and biophysicists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research and development. Many Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders qualify for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics. PayThe median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $127,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for biochemists and biophysicists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of biochemists and biophysicists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about biochemists and biophysicists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $127,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for biochemists and biophysicists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of biochemists and biophysicists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about biochemists and biophysicists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for biochemists and biophysicists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of biochemists and biophysicists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about biochemists and biophysicists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
Work Environment
Biochemists and biophysicists typically work in laboratories and offices to conduct experiments and analyze the results. Most work full time.
How to Become a Biochemist or Biophysicist
Biochemists and biophysicists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research and development. Many Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders qualify for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics.
Pay
The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $127,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,900 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for biochemists and biophysicists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of biochemists and biophysicists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about biochemists and biophysicists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Biochemists and biophysicists typically work in laboratories and offices to conduct experiments and analyze the results. Most work full time.
How to Become a Biochemist or Biophysicist
Biochemists and biophysicists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research and development. Many Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. Bachelor’s and master’s degree holders qualify for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics.
Pay
The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $127,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,900 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for biochemists and biophysicists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of biochemists and biophysicists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about biochemists and biophysicists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for biochemists and biophysicists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of biochemists and biophysicists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about biochemists and biophysicists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about biochemists and biophysicists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.