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Biochemists and biophysicists work on the frontiers of science, pioneering new discoveries that save lives and improve the well-being of all living things. As one of these innovative scientists, you'll work for research laboratories, universities, health care organizations, pharmaceutical companies and governmental organizations. The biotechnology field is one of the fastest-rising employment sectors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can prepare for the field by pursuing biochemist and biophysicist training online or in a classroom.

Employment outlook and job prospects for biochemist and biophysicists

Approximately 22,800 biochemists and biophysicists were employed in the United States in 2010. That number, the BLS predicts, will increase by 8,700 professionals, growing jobs by a total of 37 percent during the 2008-2018 decade. Top fields for biochemists and biophysicists employed in 2010 were:

• Scientific research and development services industry: 11,260
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing firms: 5,550
• Colleges, universities and professional schools: 2,690

From a geographic perspective, the greatest numbers of biochemists and biophysicists were employed in:

• California
• New Jersey
• Massachusetts
• Pennsylvania
• New York

The highest number of biological scientists employed by metropolitan area included:

• Boston
• San Diego
• Philadelphia
• Newark-New Brunswick
• San Francisco-San Mateo
• New York

The best opportunities will be in the private sector. For graduates of biochemist and biophysicist schools, the toughest competition will be for academic teaching and research positions, the BLS reports. Even with your PhD, you'll find that many current research scholars are in the middle of long-term grant projects and may be a ways from retiring.

Biochemist and biophysicist salary

Completing your degree at biochemist and biophysicist schools is essential if you want to work in this thriving field. Salaries nationwide vary based on your education, role, industry and experience. To get a rough estimate of your biochemist and biophysicist salary for 2012 and beyond, look at the average wages paid by employer and location for 2010.

According to the BLS, the 2010 mean annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $86,580. Salaries at the top end of the scale were reported at $142,420. Top-paying employers for the year were:

• The offices of physicians: $199,020
• General medical and surgical hospitals: $112,000
• Drug and druggists merchant wholesalers: $101,320

States offering the highest salaries for biochemists and biophysicists in 2010 were:

• Georgia: $105,830 mean annual wage
• North Carolina: $105,040
• Pennsylvania: $102,900
• Tennessee: $100,120
• Delaware: $94,790

Metropolitan areas reporting top mean annual wages for 2010 were:

• Atlanta-Marietta: $120,060
• Santa Ana-Irvine: $117,290
• San Antonio: $111,610
• Durham: $110,090
• Philadelphia: $105,390

Biochemist and biophysicist training online and career development

The BLS reports that employers view the biology PhD as the preferred standard of education for research and academic positions. However, a bachelor's and master's degree may qualify you for entry level positions in product development, applied research or technician roles. Often, your post-doctoral program will place you in an extended specialized research role leading to practical experience and publications critical for advancement in university or governmental scientist jobs. Online training in organizational leadership or business management can augment your technical education if you choose to advance to a directorial role.

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