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Science

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$127,410

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$74k – $201k

Job outlook

+6% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Biochemists and Biophysicists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$64,000–$230,000

Time to qualify

6 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Bachelor's degree

    Degree

    Four years at public in-state rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $11,610/yr, plus books. Private and out-of-state run higher; grant aid lowers most students' actual net price.

    $40,000–$150,000 · 4 years source

  2. 2

    Master's degree

    Degree

    Typically two years; average graduate tuition ≈ $20,000/yr at public universities (NCES).

    $24,000–$80,000 · 2 years source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Biochemists and Biophysicists" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Biochemists and Biophysicists Intern

    Internship

    $37,145

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Entry / Junior

    $74,290

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Established

    $127,410

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Senior

    $164,260

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
  • •Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
  • •Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
  • •Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
  • •Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Science

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.