Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in California
Based on 3K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$139,580
$67.11/hr
vs National Average
$99,195
+40.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$84K – $208K
3K employed in California
Biochemist and Biophysicist salary in California averages $139,580 per year, reflecting strong compensation in this specialized field. California's 3,240 employed biochemists and biophysicists earn significantly more than their national counterparts, with salaries running 41% above the U.S. average. This premium reflects the state's concentration of biotech research facilities and life sciences companies.
Salary variations for biochemists and biophysicists in California typically depend on experience level, educational credentials, employer type, and specific research focus. Entry-level positions start near $83,580 annually, while senior researchers and those in leadership roles can earn upward of $208,210. Geographic location within California, proximity to major biotech hubs, and industry sector—whether pharmaceutical, academic, or government research—also significantly influence compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Biochemist and Biophysicist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,580 |
| 25th percentile | $105,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $139,580 |
| 75th percentile | $179,990 |
| 90th percentile | $208,210 |
Top-Paying Industries for Biochemist and Biophysicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Biochemist and Biophysicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Biochemist and Biophysicists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $145,050 | 730 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $131,050 | 23K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $111,220 | 290 |
| Manufacturing | $108,360 | 7K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,090 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Biochemist and Biophysicist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,790 |
| 2023 | $127,940 |
| 2024 | $130,240 |
| 2025 | $139,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,955 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,790 | $86,103 |
| 2023 | $127,940 | $88,658 |
| 2024 | $130,240 | $94,075 |
| 2025 | $139,580 | $99,195 |
| 2026 (projected) | $147,955 | $105,147 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $139,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $179,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $208,210 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in Other States
Related Biochemist and Biophysicist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Biochemist and Biophysicist ($139,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Biochemist and Biophysicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | +48.7% | $99.75/hr |
| Medical Scientist in CA | $136,990 | -1.9% | $65.86/hr |
| Psychologist in CA | $116,000 | -16.9% | $55.77/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CA | $109,610 | -21.5% | $52.70/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CA | $106,510 | -23.7% | $51.21/hr |
| Geoscientist in CA | $106,500 | -23.7% | $51.20/hr |
| Chemist in CA | $97,860 | -29.9% | $47.05/hr |
| Registered Nurse in CA | $140,270 | +0.5% | $67.44/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in CA | $138,570 | -0.7% | $66.62/hr |
| Art Director in CA | $137,780 | -1.3% | $66.24/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CA | $141,480 | +1.4% | $68.02/hr |
| Data Scientist in CA | $141,590 | +1.4% | $68.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do biochemists and biophysicists make in California?
- The median salary for biochemists and biophysicists in California is $139,580 per year, or $67 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 40.7% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for biochemists in California?
- Biochemist and biophysicist salaries in California range from $83,580 at the lower end to $208,210 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is biochemist salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California biochemist and biophysicist salaries are 40.7% higher than the national average, with a median of $139,580 compared to lower national figures. This makes California one of the most lucrative states for this profession.
How many biochemists and biophysicists work in California?
- There are approximately 3,240 biochemists and biophysicists employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's life sciences and biotech sectors.