National Salary Overview
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Median Salary
$99,194
Average (Mean)
$108,135
Employed Nationwide
31,430
VS
Physicists earns $54,567 more (55.0%)
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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