How much does a biochemist make?
a year · about $61 an hour
A typical biochemist in the United States makes $127,410 a year, about $61 an hour, about 2.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
In a lab, a biochemist prepares biological samples, runs experiments with lab instruments, and checks results on a computer. They discuss findings with teammates and write reports or research papers.
Did you know? Johns Hopkins biochemists found that some E. coli proteins cannot be refolded—even by the cell’s protein “helper” molecules.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $74,290 and $201,110How do you become one?
Study biology, chemistry, physics, and math in U.S. high school, then earn a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or a related field and gain lab experience. A Ph.D. is needed for independent research; many graduates start in temporary postdoctoral jobs.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can change with experience and education. The employer and location matter too, because pay differs by industry and region.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($139,580), lowest in Texas ($97,510).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $74,290 | $127,410 | $201,110 | about 34,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $139,580 | about 3,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,090 | about 3,000 |
| Connecticut | $132,670 | about 540 |
| Massachusetts | $131,600 | about 15,000 |
| New Jersey | $122,620 | about 3,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biochemists-and-biophysicists.h
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1021.00
- hub.jhu.edu/2023/01/13/protein-folding-chaperones-aging
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY