Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 40+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$74,710
$35.92/hr
vs National Average
$99,195
-24.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$57K – $200K
40 employed in Kentucky
Biochemist and Biophysicist salary in Kentucky averages $74,710 annually, according to current employment data. This median reflects compensation for approximately 40 workers in the state. However, Kentucky's biochemist and biophysicist positions pay roughly 25% below the national average, with salaries ranging from $57,020 to $199,580 depending on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence earning potential in this field within Kentucky. Experience level, educational credentials, and specific employer type—whether academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or research facilities—significantly impact compensation. Geographic location within the state, industry demand, and specialized expertise in particular biochemical or biophysical areas also play important roles in determining where professionals fall within the state's salary range.
Salary Distribution — Biochemist and Biophysicist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,020 |
| 25th percentile | $65,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,710 |
| 75th percentile | $95,720 |
| 90th percentile | $199,580 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,490 |
| 2023 | $75,500 |
| 2024 | $74,630 |
| 2025 | $74,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,790 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,490 | $86,103 |
| 2023 | $75,500 | $88,658 |
| 2024 | $74,630 | $94,075 |
| 2025 | $74,710 | $99,195 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,790 | $99,301 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $199,580 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist Salary in Other States
Related Biochemist and Biophysicist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Biochemist and Biophysicist ($74,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Biochemist and Biophysicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in KY | $180,910 | +142.1% | $86.98/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | +32.7% | $47.66/hr |
| Chemist in KY | $84,090 | +12.6% | $40.43/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KY | $77,580 | +3.8% | $37.30/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | +3.7% | $37.26/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in KY | $71,040 | -4.9% | $34.15/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | -13.0% | $31.25/hr |
| Accountant in KY | $75,270 | +0.7% | $36.19/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in KY | $73,490 | -1.6% | $35.33/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in KY | $76,100 | +1.9% | $36.59/hr |
| Art Director in KY | $76,160 | +1.9% | $36.62/hr |
| Financial Examiner in KY | $76,260 | +2.1% | $36.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do biochemists and biophysicists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for biochemists and biophysicists in Kentucky is $74,710 per year, or $36 per hour. This is 24.7% below the national average, making Kentucky a lower-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for biochemists in Kentucky?
- Biochemist and biophysicist salaries in Kentucky range from $57,020 at the lower end to $199,580 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific job roles within the field.
How many biochemists and biophysicists work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 40 biochemists and biophysicists employed in Kentucky, indicating a relatively small job market for this specialty in the state.
Is biochemist salary in Kentucky below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median salary of $74,710 for biochemists and biophysicists is 24.7% lower than the national average. Job seekers in this field may earn significantly more by relocating to higher-paying states.