Biochemists and Biophysicists in California
Considering working as a Biochemists and Biophysicists in California? Here’s what the data says. 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.
What do Biochemists and Biophysicists Make in California?
For a biochemists and biophysicists working in California, the median annual wage is $130,240 per year (or roughly $62.62/hour).Annual wages span from $76,320 at the 10th percentile to $179,780 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,320 | $36.69 |
| 25th percentile | $93,000 | $44.71 |
| Median (50th) | $130,240 | $62.62 |
| 75th percentile | $160,580 | $77.20 |
| 90th percentile | $179,780 | $86.43 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California nationwide is 1.04.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, biochemists and biophysicists earn a median of $107,979 per year ($51.91/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 92,228 biochemists and biophysicists in the U.S.. In California alone, approximately 4,190 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 340 biochemists and biophysicists.
Top California Metros for Biochemists and Biophysicists
The metro areas below employ the most biochemists and biophysicists in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 1,940 | $140,850 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 1,010 | $107,910 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 470 | $103,960 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 300 | $126,830 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 80 | $96,160 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 50 | $93,500 |
Top States for Biochemists and Biophysicists Employment
These states have the highest employment of biochemists and biophysicists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 13,530 |
| California | 4,190 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,530 |
| New Jersey | 2,180 |
| New York | 1,660 |
| Indiana | 1,350 |
| Michigan | 980 |
| Colorado | 930 |
| Maryland | 760 |
| Texas | 710 |
| Washington | 530 |
| Florida | 510 |
| North Carolina | 510 |
| Delaware | 470 |
| Ohio | 410 |
| Utah | 370 |
| Maine | 350 |
| Missouri | 340 |
| Connecticut | 240 |
| Minnesota | 230 |
Highest-Paying States for Biochemists and Biophysicists
The highest-paying states for biochemists and biophysicists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Florida | $148,880 |
| Arkansas | $143,490 |
| California | $130,240 |
| Massachusetts | $127,520 |
| Pennsylvania | $112,850 |
| Virginia | $109,230 |
| Washington | $107,730 |
| New Hampshire | $103,980 |
| New Jersey | $103,360 |
| Wisconsin | $102,380 |
Skills
Key biochemists and biophysicists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for biochemists and biophysicists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Biochemists and Biophysicists typically:
- 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.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
- Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
- Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Thinking Creatively
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Processing Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Extensible markup language XML In-demand technologies: Electronic lab notebook software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Biochemistry & Biophysics
- Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences
- Physiology & Pathology Sciences
- Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to biochemists and biophysicists include:
- Data Scientists
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Animal Scientists
- Microbiologists
Also Known As
Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biochemistry Scientist, Biological Chemist, Biophysicist, Biophysics Researcher, Chemist, Chemistry Scientist, Clinical Biochemist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Researcher, Forensic Toxicologist, Formulation Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Pharmaceutical Scientist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-1021.00
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