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Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Physicists: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Median Salary
$99,194
Average (Mean)
$108,135
Employed Nationwide
31,430
VS

Physicists

Median Salary
$153,762
Average (Mean)
$164,071
Employed Nationwide
20,040
Physicists earns $54,567 more (55.0%)
Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Physicists national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Biochemists and BiophysicistsBiochemists and BiophysicistsBiochemists and Biophysicists: $99,195$99,195PhysicistsPhysicistsPhysicists: $153,763$153,763

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $99,194 $153,762
Average (Mean) Salary $108,135 $164,071
Total Employment 31,430 20,040
States with Higher Pay 3 29

Salary by State: Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Physicists

Showing 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. Biochemists and Biophysicists pays more in 3 states; Physicists pays more in 29.

State Biochemists and Biophysicists Physicists Difference
Alabama $48,510
$139,330
$-90,820
Arkansas $82,390
$135,820
$-53,430
California $139,580
$207,490
$-67,910
Connecticut $132,670
$180,300
$-47,630
Delaware $101,880
$82,590
+$19,290
District of Columbia $120,090
$157,040
$-36,950
Florida $157,390
$225,390
$-68,000
Georgia $85,680
$144,870
$-59,190
Illinois $87,010
$137,140
$-50,130
Iowa $101,090
$178,110
$-77,020
Kentucky $74,710
$180,910
$-106,200
Maryland $100,650
$174,390
$-73,740
Massachusetts $131,600
$106,410
+$25,190
Michigan $109,340
$94,520
+$14,820
Minnesota $81,280
$171,220
$-89,940
Missouri $79,550
$140,460
$-60,910
Nevada $69,220
$154,030
$-84,810
New Hampshire $109,770
$214,030
$-104,260
New Jersey $122,620
$163,270
$-40,650
New York $101,080
$181,970
$-80,890
North Carolina $82,220
$174,180
$-91,960
Ohio $90,000
$162,900
$-72,900
Oklahoma $69,130
$200,050
$-130,920
Pennsylvania $134,090
$210,990
$-76,900
Rhode Island $76,710
$155,150
$-78,440
South Carolina $109,080
$138,400
$-29,320
Tennessee $134,560
$165,010
$-30,450
Texas $97,510
$184,040
$-86,530
Utah $81,990
$156,760
$-74,770
Virginia $105,780
$145,040
$-39,260
Washington $98,840
$134,790
$-35,950
Wisconsin $106,480
$173,120
$-66,640

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Biochemists and Biophysicists or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Biochemists and Biophysicists. The national median salary difference is $54,567 (55.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Biochemists and Biophysicists earn more than a Physicists?
A Biochemists and Biophysicists earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 3 out of 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 29 states.
What is the median salary for a Biochemists and Biophysicists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Biochemists and Biophysicists is $99,194 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Biochemists and Biophysicists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Biochemists and Biophysicists. BLS reports approximately 31,430 Biochemists and Biophysicists positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Biochemists and Biophysicists or Physicists?
Both Biochemists and Biophysicists and Physicists 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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