Biochemists and Biophysicists

Education and Training Required to be Biochemists and Biophysicists

As a first step career aspirants should take bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry or a related field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Many schools have bachelor's degree programs in biochemistry, but few schools have bachelor's degree programs in biophysics. Courses in mathematics and computer science are important for biochemists and biophysicists, who must be able to do complex data analysis. A bachelor's and master's degree may qualify you for entry level positions in product development, applied research or technician roles.
Biochemists and biophysicists who want to do independent research should have a doctorate degree (Ph.D). Often, your post-doctoral program will place you in an extended specialized research role leading to practical experience and publications critical for advancement in university or governmental scientist jobs.

Related Instructional Programs:

•    Biochemistry
•    Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
•    Biophysics
•    Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other
•    Molecular Biochemistry
•    Molecular Biophysics

Job Prospects and Industrial Overview for Biochemist and Biophysicists

Approximately 22,800 biochemists and biophysicists were employed in the United States in 2010. The BLS projects this number  will increase by 8,700 professionals and employment will increase by 31 percent from 2010 to 2020. Top fields for biochemists and biophysicists employed in 2010 were:

Scientific research and development services industry: 11,260
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing firms: 5,550
Colleges, universities and professional schools: 2,690

Pay of  Biochemist and Biophysicists in the USA

The median annual wage of biochemists and biophysicists was $79,390 in May 2010. Salaries at the top end of the scale were reported at $142,420.

Meadian Annual Wages of Biochemist and Biophysicists, May 2010 Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing    $84,970 Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences                 83,590 Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private                 50,760 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics)