National Salary Overview
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Median Salary
$99,194
Average (Mean)
$108,135
Employed Nationwide
31,430
VS
Materials Scientists earns $16,066 more (16.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$99,194
$115,261
Average (Mean) Salary
$108,135
$119,126
Total Employment
31,430
7,950
States with Higher Pay
9
17
Salary by State: Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Materials Scientists
Showing 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. Biochemists and Biophysicists pays more in 9 states; Materials Scientists pays more in 17.
| State | Biochemists and Biophysicists | Materials Scientists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $139,580 | $177,030 | $-37,450 | ||
| Connecticut | $132,670 | $130,320 | +$2,350 | ||
| District of Columbia | $120,090 | $137,600 | $-17,510 | ||
| Florida | $157,390 | $102,340 | +$55,050 | ||
| Georgia | $85,680 | $91,970 | $-6,290 | ||
| Illinois | $87,010 | $125,850 | $-38,840 | ||
| Iowa | $101,090 | $88,320 | +$12,770 | ||
| Kansas | $97,850 | $115,490 | $-17,640 | ||
| Maryland | $100,650 | $112,400 | $-11,750 | ||
| Massachusetts | $131,600 | $132,600 | $-1,000 | ||
| Michigan | $109,340 | $107,410 | +$1,930 | ||
| Minnesota | $81,280 | $132,160 | $-50,880 | ||
| Nevada | $69,220 | $97,490 | $-28,270 | ||
| New Hampshire | $109,770 | $119,990 | $-10,220 | ||
| New Jersey | $122,620 | $103,150 | +$19,470 | ||
| New York | $101,080 | $131,740 | $-30,660 | ||
| North Carolina | $82,220 | $106,470 | $-24,250 | ||
| Ohio | $90,000 | $108,830 | $-18,830 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $134,090 | $106,920 | +$27,170 | ||
| South Carolina | $109,080 | $101,930 | +$7,150 | ||
| Tennessee | $134,560 | $69,010 | +$65,550 | ||
| Texas | $97,510 | $72,700 | +$24,810 | ||
| Utah | $81,990 | $126,840 | $-44,850 | ||
| Virginia | $105,780 | $124,150 | $-18,370 | ||
| Washington | $98,840 | $127,250 | $-28,410 | ||
| Wisconsin | $106,480 | $137,700 | $-31,220 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Materials Scientists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Biochemists and Biophysicists or Materials Scientists?
On average across all states, a Materials Scientists earns more than a Biochemists and Biophysicists. The national median salary difference is $16,066 (16.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Biochemists and Biophysicists earn more than a Materials Scientists?
A Biochemists and Biophysicists earns a higher median salary than a Materials Scientists in 9 out of 26 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Scientists pays more in 17 states.
What is the median salary for a Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Materials Scientists?
The national median salary for a Biochemists and Biophysicists is $99,194 per year, compared to $115,261 for a Materials Scientists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Biochemists and Biophysicists or Materials Scientists?
There are more people employed as Biochemists and Biophysicists. BLS reports approximately 31,430 Biochemists and Biophysicists positions and 7,950 Materials Scientists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Biochemists and Biophysicists or Materials Scientists?
Both Biochemists and Biophysicists and Materials Scientists are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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