# Biochemists and Biophysicists

> 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/biochemists-and-biophysicists
- SOC code: 19-1021.00
- Career family: Science
- Median annual pay: $127,410 (10th percentile $74,290, 90th percentile $201,110)
- Projected growth: Much faster than average, +12.3%
- Openings a year: 2,900
- Typical entry education: Doctoral or professional degree
- Bright outlook: yes
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code IRC)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 69 |
| Investigative (I) | 100 |
| Artistic (A) | 27 |
| Social (S) | 19 |
| Enterprising (E) | 14 |
| Conventional (C) | 44 |

## What you'd do

- Analyzing Data or Information (importance 99/100)
- Documenting/Recording Information (importance 94/100)
- Thinking Creatively (importance 94/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 94/100)
- Getting Information (importance 93/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 93/100)
- Processing Information (importance 93/100)
- Working with Computers (importance 92/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 89/100)
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (importance 88/100)

## Skills

Science, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Active Learning, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking, Judgment and Decision Making, Learning Strategies

## Knowledge

Biology, Chemistry, English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Education and Training, Computers and Electronics, Engineering and Technology, Administration and Management, Medicine and Dentistry

## Also called

Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biochemistry Scientist, Biological Chemist, Biophysicist, Biophysics Researcher, Chemist, Chemistry Scientist, Clinical Biochemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/2602) (CIP 2602, 756 colleges)
- [Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/2609) (CIP 2609, 269 colleges)
- [Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/2604) (CIP 2604, 182 colleges)
- [Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/5120) (CIP 5120, 175 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [Northeastern University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/northeastern-university-1923) | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | not reported | $142,985 | $21,908 |
| [Long Island University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/long-island-university-1520) | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | not reported | $136,840 | not reported |
| [University of Louisiana at Monroe](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-louisiana-at-monroe-2935) | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | not reported | $134,329 | $13,980 |
| [University of Hawaii at Hilo](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-hawaii-at-hilo-2914) | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | $80,004 | $131,134 | not reported |
| [Western New England University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/western-new-england-university-3234) | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | not reported | $129,138 | $19,500 |
| [University of Kansas](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-kansas-2931) | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | not reported | $125,384 | $12,577 |
| [North Dakota State University-Main Campus](https://www.collegesref.com/college/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus-1896) | Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | not reported | $125,175 | $13,000 |
| [Nova Southeastern University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/nova-southeastern-university-1975) | Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | not reported | $122,809 | $12,500 |

## Related careers

- [Molecular and Cellular Biologists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/molecular-and-cellular-biologists): $98,920 median pay
- [Microbiologists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/microbiologists): $87,990 median pay
- [Geneticists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/geneticists): $98,920 median pay
- [Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/medical-scientists-except-epidemiologists): $103,410 median pay
- [Chemists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/chemists): $91,240 median pay
- [Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/bioengineers-and-biomedical-engineers): $109,370 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.