19
Biochemists and Biophysicists is a notable career in the 19 category. This page provides verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024), helping you compare Biochemists and Biophysicists against similar careers and make data-driven decisions.
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| soc | 19-1021 |
| title | Biochemists and Biophysicists |
| onet code | 19-1021.00 |
| description | 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. |
| job zone | 5 |
| major group | 19 |
| tot emp | 34,520 |
| a mean | 115,570 |
| a median | 103,650 |
| a pct10 | 64,890 |
| a pct25 | 78,730 |
| a pct75 | 134,460 |
| a pct90 | 168,900 |
| h mean | 55 |
| h median | 49 |
The day-to-day work of a biochemists and biophysicists typically centers on share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences. Every task listed below is classified as Core in O*NET — they collectively define the role. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.
Workers in this occupation rely most on Science, Reading Comprehension, and Writing. Across the top 10 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 4.21 out of 5 — critical for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.
Among working biochemists and biophysicists, the most common entry qualification is a Post (40.0%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 100% of incumbents. This is a degree-heavy profession — most incumbents hold a four-year degree or beyond.
Median annual pay is highest in Florida at $148,880 and lowest in Alabama at $57,720 — a 2.6× spread. The top five states (Florida, Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania) average $132,596. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.
| State | Median | Mean | 10th % | 90th % | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $148,880 | $146,110 | $58,450 | — | 510 |
| Arkansas | $143,490 | $109,180 | $61,430 | $143,490 | 100 |
| California | $130,240 | $130,030 | $76,320 | $179,780 | 4,190 |
| Massachusetts | $127,520 | $123,450 | $74,550 | $169,810 | 13,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $112,850 | $114,280 | $76,060 | $162,750 | 2,530 |
| Virginia | $109,230 | $114,360 | $63,120 | $165,610 | 130 |
| Washington | $107,730 | $97,090 | $65,120 | $122,370 | 530 |
| New Hampshire | $103,980 | $106,500 | $65,820 | $130,000 | 200 |
| New Jersey | $103,360 | $107,230 | $66,580 | $139,740 | 2,180 |
| Wisconsin | $102,380 | $128,280 | $78,800 | $212,020 | 170 |
| Oregon | $101,390 | $95,740 | $66,930 | $130,270 | 70 |
| Delaware | $101,120 | $105,970 | $51,100 | $155,530 | 470 |
| Maryland | $99,800 | $105,920 | $62,700 | $157,430 | 760 |
| Maine | $96,110 | $93,060 | $62,830 | $125,380 | 350 |
| New York | $95,410 | $100,760 | $64,640 | $156,970 | 1,660 |
| Texas | $94,560 | $97,080 | $60,410 | $128,350 | 710 |
| Tennessee | $92,470 | $116,020 | $66,010 | $217,220 | 40 |
| Ohio | $83,150 | $86,570 | $49,070 | $130,340 | 410 |
| Minnesota | $82,610 | $88,010 | $59,690 | $127,490 | 230 |
| South Carolina | $82,370 | $88,350 | $66,470 | $120,940 | 70 |
| Idaho | $80,710 | $98,350 | $65,300 | $167,130 | 40 |
| Illinois | $80,570 | $95,440 | $57,490 | $166,030 | 150 |
| Iowa | $80,370 | $87,290 | $61,720 | $123,800 | 170 |
| Utah | $78,260 | $78,990 | $49,000 | $108,700 | 370 |
| Rhode Island | $75,860 | $84,900 | $46,500 | $135,470 | 40 |
| Kentucky | $74,630 | $110,500 | $53,940 | $227,350 | 40 |
| Missouri | $72,600 | $86,570 | $63,230 | $126,730 | 340 |
| Nebraska | $69,170 | $86,770 | $40,810 | $193,230 | 40 |
| Michigan | $64,200 | $81,350 | $49,200 | $128,140 | 980 |
| Indiana | $63,570 | $86,680 | $46,340 | $175,680 | 1,350 |
| Alabama | $57,720 | $71,960 | $40,960 | $156,830 | 100 |
Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for biochemists and biophysicists. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for Analytical Research Chemist or Biochemist frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.
This data helps you understand how Biochemists and Biophysicists compares to others in the 19 category. Use it to make informed decisions based on verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0.
careers with the closest data values to Biochemists and Biophysicists
The CertifyWize editorial team aggregates and verifies careers data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.
Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.