Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in the United States
Based on 31K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$99,195
$47.69/hr
▲ 5.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$66K – $163K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
31K
workers nationwide
The median Biochemist and Biophysicist salary in the United States is $99,195 per year, or $48 per hour. This data reflects a competitive field where professionals contribute to advancements in medicine, agriculture, and various scientific industries. The typical salary range for these roles falls between $66,412 and $162,778 annually.
Several factors can influence a Biochemist and Biophysicist salary in the United States. Experience level, geographic location, and the specific industry or sector of employment play significant roles. For instance, states with a high demand and cost of living may offer higher compensation, while specialized skills or advanced degrees can also command a premium.
Salary Distribution — Biochemist and Biophysicist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,412 |
| 25th percentile | $79,241 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,195 |
| 75th percentile | $127,319 |
| 90th percentile | $162,778 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Biochemist and Biophysicist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | $157,390 | +58.7% | 370 |
| 2 | California | $139,580 | +40.7% | 3K |
| 3 | Tennessee | $134,560 | +35.7% | 60 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $134,090 | +35.2% | 3K |
| 5 | Connecticut | $132,670 | +33.7% | 540 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $131,600 | +32.7% | 15K |
| 7 | New Jersey | $122,620 | +23.6% | 3K |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $120,090 | +21.1% | 70 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | $109,770 | +10.7% | 200 |
| 10 | Michigan | $109,340 | +10.2% | 730 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary by Industry
How much Biochemist and Biophysicists earn across industries nationwide — Wholesale Trade pays the most ($145,050 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wholesale Trade | $145,050 | +46.2% | 730 |
| 2 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $131,050 | +32.1% | 23K |
| 3 | Administrative and Support Services | $111,220 | +12.1% | 290 |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $108,360 | +9.2% | 7K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,090 | +1.9% | — |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $90,750 | -8.5% | 120 |
| 7 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $85,400 | -13.9% | 210 |
| 8 | Educational Services | $74,190 | -25.2% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Biochemist and Biophysicist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Biochemist and Biophysicist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Jude Children'S Research Hospital | $72,530 | 69 |
| 2 | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals | $140,126 | 54 |
| 3 | Cisco | $83,600 | 48 |
| 4 | Duke University | $77,854 | 44 |
| 5 | University Of California San Diego | $80,800 | 40 |
| 6 | The University Of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center | $73,100 | 38 |
| 7 | University Of Michigan | $66,066 | 28 |
| 8 | Howard Hughes Medical Institute | $81,614 | 26 |
Historical Salary Trend — Biochemist and Biophysicist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,103 |
| 2023 | $88,658 |
| 2024 | $94,075 |
| 2025 | $99,195 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,594 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,241 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,195 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,319 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,778 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Biochemist or Biophysicist in the US?
- The median salary for a Biochemist and Biophysicist in the United States is $99,195 per year. This means half of all professionals in this field earn more, and half earn less, with a typical range from $66,412 to $162,778 annually.
How much does a top-paying state offer Biochemists and Biophysicists?
- The top-paying state for Biochemists and Biophysicists is Florida, where the median salary reaches $157,390. This highlights significant regional disparities in compensation within the United States.
What is the hourly rate for a Biochemist or Biophysicist?
- Based on the median annual salary of $99,195, the average hourly rate for a Biochemist and Biophysicist in the United States is approximately $48. This figure provides a useful benchmark for hourly compensation in this profession.
Is there a significant salary range for these roles?
- Yes, there is a considerable salary range for Biochemists and Biophysicists in the United States, from $66,412 for entry-level or lower-paying positions up to $162,778 for experienced professionals in high-demand areas.