Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in California
Biochemists and Biophysicists in California earn a median annual wage of $139,580 —9.6% above the national median of $127,410. That ranks CA #2 of 35 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.82× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Highest-paying states for biochemists and biophysicists
All 35 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | $157,390 | $75.67 | 370 | 0.17 |
| 2 | California | $139,580 | $67.11 | 3,240 | 0.82 |
| 3 | Tennessee | $134,560 | $64.69 | 60 | 0.08 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $134,090 | $64.47 | 2,750 | 2.08 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $132,670 | $63.78 | 540 | 1.47 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $131,600 | $63.27 | 14,890 | 18.81 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $122,620 | $58.95 | 2,570 | 2.75 |
| 8 | District of Columbia | $120,090 | $57.74 | 70 | 0.43 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | $109,770 | $52.78 | 200 | 1.33 |
| 10 | Michigan | $109,340 | $52.57 | 730 | 0.76 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $136,990 | $103,410 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $102,840 | $90,150 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $106,510 | $82,220 |
| Chemists | $97,860 | $91,240 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $116,000 | $100,580 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $78,350 | $62,280 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do biochemists and biophysicists make in California?
The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists in California is $139,580, or $67.11 per hour. That is 9.6% above the national median of $127,410.
What is the entry-level biochemists and biophysicists salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $83,580 per year ($40.18/hour). The 25th percentile is $105,920.
How many people work as biochemists and biophysicists in California?
About 3,240 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.2 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for biochemists and biophysicists?
California ranks #2 of 35 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.82x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Which state pays biochemists and biophysicists the most?
Florida has the highest median wage at $157,390 per year, followed by California ($139,580) and Tennessee ($134,560).