Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, biochemists and biophysicists earn $126,830 at the median — $60.98 an hour. The range runs from $81K at the entry level to $187K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $114,861 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 46.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $127K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About biochemists and biophysicists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level biochemists and biophysicists (10th percentile) start around $81K. Mid-career wages sit at $127K.Top earners bring in $187K or more - a $106K 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
Related careers in Science
Frequently asked questions
How much do biochemists and biophysicists make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $126,830 a year - that works out to about $60.98 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $80,930, and experienced biochemists and biophysicists can clear $187,300. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $127K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,459/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 46.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a biochemists and biophysicists salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median biochemists and biophysicists salary is worth about $114,861 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.