What Does a Biochemist Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a biochemist do?

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity and disease. The median pay is $127,410 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–6 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +12.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$127,410
$61.26/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+12.3%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
2,900
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
5–6 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
35,200
Employment, 2025

What biochemists do

Biochemists study life at the molecular level. They research proteins, DNA and cell processes, develop drugs and diagnostics, run experiments, analyze data and publish results in pharma, biotech and universities.

A Ph.D. is typical for independent research; some roles accept a bachelor’s or master’s. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

Design experiments
Purify proteins
Run assays
Analyze data
Write papers
Write grants
Lead lab teams

Work environment and schedule

Biochemists work in labs at universities, biotech and pharma companies.

Schedule: Full time, sometimes long hours for experiments.

A day in the life

8:30 AMCheck overnight cell cultures.
9:30 AMPurify a protein.
11:30 AMRun an enzyme assay.
1:00 PMLab meeting.

See a full day in the life of a biochemist →

Biochemist salary

Half of biochemists earned more than $127,410 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $74,290 for the lowest 10% to $201,110 for the top 10%.

$74,29010th$127,410Median$201,11090th

Full biochemist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a biochemist

Earn a chemistry or biology bachelor’s
Do undergraduate research
Earn a Ph.D.
Complete a postdoc
Get hired

A Ph.D. in biochemistry or a related field is typical for research roles.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a biochemist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Protein biochemistry
Molecular biology
Assay design
Chromatography
Data analysis

People skills

Persistence
Curiosity
Attention to detail
Collaboration

All biochemist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
High pay
Cutting-edge science
Medical impact

Cons

Long training
Grant pressure
Experiments fail often
Competitive academia

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D.: Typical for research.
Postdoctoral fellowship: Common next step.
GLP training: For industry.
Biosafety training: Required.

Career path

Research Associate: Entry.
Postdoc: Training.
Scientist: Lead projects.
Principal Scientist: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Biochemist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as design a controlled experiment and purify a protein, safety and how to land your first job.

View Biochemist training Is this career right for me?

Medical Scientist

Research diseases and develop treatments to improve human health.

$103,410
5–8 years after a bachelor’s

Chemist

Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.

$91,240
4+ years

Microbiologist

Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products.

$87,990
4+ years

Biological Technician

Run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research.

$57,510
4 years

Compare: Biochemist vs. Medical Scientist · Biochemist vs. Chemist · Biochemist vs. Microbiologist · Biochemist vs. Biological Technician

Biochemist FAQ

Do biochemists need a Ph.D.?

For independent research, usually.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Where do they work?

Biotech, pharma, universities and government.

How much does a biochemist make?

The median annual wage for biochemists was $127,410 ($61.26 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $74,290 and the highest 10% earned more than $201,110.

How long does it take to become a biochemist?

Most people need about 5–6 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in biochemistry or a related field is typical for research roles.

Do you need a degree to be a biochemist?

Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical. Independent research roles need a Ph.D., though some lab roles hire with a bachelor’s or master’s.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-1021 (Biochemists and biophysicists).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Biochemists and biophysicists (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Biochemist