Career opportunities
A bachelor's degree in biochemistry opens doors to a wide variety of careers.
While many biochemists work in traditional laboratory and research environments, others find career opportunities in fields ranging from business and sales to consulting and law.
Biochemistry career options
If you have a bachelor's degree, career options include:
- laboratory technician
- quality control technician
- associate chemist
- technical sales or service representative
- analytical chemist
- clinical technician
- research assistant
- secondary school teacher
- testing and inspection professional
- non-research position
An advanced degree earned through a graduate program can lead to even more professional opportunities.
If you have a master’s degree, career options include:
- applied researcher
- pharmaceutical researcher
- research chemist
- chemical safety engineer
- clinical chemist
- instructor
- product developer
- research technician
- inspector
- manager
If you have a PhD or further education/experience, career options include:
- industrial researcher
- independent researcher
- college professor
- chemical safety engineer
- chemist
- clinical chemist
- research chemist
- marine biologist
- pharmacologist
- pharmaceutical researcher
- advancement opportunities to administrative positions
In 2006, the median annual income of biochemists and biophysicists was $76,320. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,390 and $100,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,820, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,510. Median annual earnings of biochemists and biophysicists employed in scientific research and development services were $79,990 in 2006.
