Biochemist

Explore This Path

Unlock the secrets of life by exploring the chemistry of living organisms.
Advance medicine and technology through groundbreaking biochemical research.
Discover how substances affect life processes, from cells to entire organisms.

💰 Earn $97K-$159K

📚 Doctoral or Professional Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 9% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

3,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$127,940 in California

$107,460 Nationally

$25K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Biochemist? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@scienceformymum

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Science
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Job security
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Biochemist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years