Biophysics Salary and Career Facts

<h2 id="section---WhatAreCareerOptionsForBiophysicsGraduates">What Are Career Options for Biophysics Graduates?</h2> <p>Biophysics is the study of the physical properties of biological systems, such as proteins, nucleic acids and lipid bilayers. Researchers interested in biophysics can either get jobs in academia or in the private sector. Those pursuing a career as a university professor teach students about biophysics. Teachers are responsible for developing a syllabus, assignments and assessments that meet the standards set by the university. In addition to teaching, professors also perform research and write papers or books. Those who do not want to work in a university setting can complete research as a biophysicist. These researchers plan out projects relating to the physical properties of living things. They write reports to inform others of their findings. </p> <p>Below is a table that outlines some facts for both of these options. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> University Professor </th><th> Non-Academic Researcher/Scientist</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Doctorate </td><td> Doctorate</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td> Biophysics </td><td> Biophysics</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Responsibilities</b></td><td> Conduct laboratory research, teach and mentor students </td><td> Conduct laboratory research</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b></td><td> 13% growth <i>(for all biological science postsecondary teachers)</i> </td><td> 5% growth <i>(for all biochemists and biophysicists)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $85,600 <i>(for all biological science postsecondary teachers)</i> </td><td> $94,270 <i>(for all biochemists and biophysicist)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeedForACareerInBiophysics">What Education Do I Need for a Career in Biophysics?</h2> <p>To become a biophysicist, you typically need a doctoral degree in biophysics, although other related disciplines, such as physics, mathematics, engineering or chemistry, might be applicable. Additionally, an undergraduate curriculum with a strong background in physics, chemistry and mathematics generally must be completed prior to the pursuit of doctoral studies in biophysics. </p> <p>Doctoral programs in biophysics typically are research-intensive, though their requirements vary. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of biophysics, lab and coursework often depends on your area of interest. Classes, research and completion of your dissertation typically takes six years. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatJobsCanIApplyFor">What Jobs Can I Apply For?</h3> <p>If you would like to pursue a career as a professor at the university level, you might choose to complete a post-doctoral fellowship before looking for a permanent position. As in your graduate studies, you'll conduct original research under the supervision of a principal investigator, but, as a fellow, you'll have more independence and freedom to design and carry out your own research projects. Your responsibility also will increase, and you might write grant proposals for your research or supervise graduate students, giving you experience in the classroom. </p> <p>Aside from academia, you also might find work as a non-academic scientist in a government or private laboratory, nonprofit research foundation. Depending on your area of interest, additional career opportunities may exist with biotechnical, pharmaceutical, agricultural or product manufacturing companies. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSalaryCouldIEarn">What Salary Could I Earn?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), biochemists and biophysicists earned a median salary of $94,270 in 2020. The BLS reported that location and industry were factors in salary, finding that biophysicists employed in states such as California and New Jersey, as well as those working in industries like scientific consulting services, averaged more than $100,000 that year. Data released by the BLS projected a growth rate of 5% between 2020 and 2030 for biophysicists and biochemists. </p> <p>Biochemists interested in academia can expect job growth of 13% for all postsecondary teachers of the biological sciences from 2020-2030. As of May, 2020 postsecondary teachers of the biological sciences earned a median salary of $85,600. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>There are several other career options for those pursing a doctoral degree that are similar to biophysics, including jobs as a medical scientist, physician or physicist. A medical scientist researches different ways to improve the health of people through clinical trials and their own research. A physician diagnoses and treats patients who have illnesses or injuries, and they conduct tests and review results to form a complete diagnosis. A physicist studies time and the universe through experiments and research.</p>