Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in California
In California, biochemists and biophysicists earn $130,240 at the median — $62.62 an hour. The range runs from $76K at the entry level to $180K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $130K get you in California?
About biochemists and biophysicists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level biochemists and biophysicists (10th percentile) start around $76K. Mid-career wages sit at $130K.Top earners bring in $180K or more - a $103K spread from bottom to top.
Biochemists and Biophysicists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $149K | +44% | 510 |
| Arkansas | $143K | +38% | 100 |
| California | $130K | +26% | 4,190 |
| Massachusetts | $128K | +23% | 13,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $113K | +9% | 2,530 |
| Virginia | $109K | +5% | 130 |
| Washington | $108K | +4% | 530 |
| New Hampshire | $104K | +0% | 200 |
| New Jersey | $103K | -0% | 2,180 |
| Wisconsin | $102K | -1% | 170 |
| Oregon | $101K | -2% | 70 |
| Delaware | $101K | -2% | 470 |
| Maryland | $100K | -4% | 760 |
| Maine | $96K | -7% | 350 |
| New York | $95K | -8% | 1,660 |
Track biochemists and biophysicists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do biochemists and biophysicists make in California?
The median is $130,240 a year - that works out to about $62.62 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $76,320, and experienced biochemists and biophysicists can clear $179,780. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $130K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,627/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 28.9% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a biochemists and biophysicists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median biochemists and biophysicists salary is worth about $130,240 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do biochemists and biophysicists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.