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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Median Salary
107,460
Job Outlook
+9%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$55,030

10%

$107,460

Median

$138,210

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-doctoral training

    40%

  • Doctoral degree

    25%

  • Bachelor's degree

    25%

  • First professional degree

    10%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Pharmaceutics and Drug Design
  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Biochemistry
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
  • Molecular Biophysics
  • Biomechanics
  • Structural Biology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.