26 Highest Paying Biochemistry Jobs: 2022 Salaries

There is a wide variety of employment to choose from in biochemistry and almost all graduates with a biochemistry degree get jobs easily.

You can work in various scientific disciplines like toxicology, food science, forensic science, or pharmacology if you have a degree in biochemistry.

If you’re a recent graduate, this article lists out the top best highest paying biochemistry jobs in 2022.

Highest Paying Biochemistry Jobs & Salaries

The highest-paying biochemistry jobs in the United States, according to salary information from the U.S. BLS are listed in the table below:

Careers	Annual salary
Toxicologist	$86,480-$131,000
Analytical chemist	$56,935-$120,000
Forensic scientist	$60,950-$101,000
Academic researcher	$64,103-$156,000
College professor	$70,427-$178,000
Pharmacologist	$121,391
Physician associate	$92,485
Clinical scientist	$124,347
Medical scientist	$92,560
Biomedical scientist	$92,620
Biomedical engineer	$101,020
Life science research scientist	$103,500
Clinical research associate	$125,103

Highest Paying Biochemistry Jobs 

1. Biochemical Engineer

One of the top highest-paying biochemistry jobs, with an annual salary of up to $150,000 is a biochemical engineer. 

Studying biological substances such as proteins, viruses, or cell structures is the main emphasis of biochemical engineers.

This is done to develop products for biological waste treatment or bioremediation and also to enhance the health of the general public.

To be able to produce goods from raw materials, biochemical engineers integrate their expertise in biology, chemistry, and engineering. 

They must also come up with solutions for issues that result from interactions between processes and the environment.

Most of the biochemical engineer’s work needs a bachelor’s degree but if you want to work for a government organization, they frequently require a complete Ph.D.

Although entry-level earnings for biochemical engineers range from $50,000 to $75,000 per year, the mean annual pay in the United States is $118,850. 

The highest-paid biochemical engineers bring in about $155,000 annually.

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2. Analytical Chemist

For people who enjoy deconstructing equations and finding solutions to issues, this career may be very intriguing.

Analytical chemists examine the chemical makeup of substances to identify and comprehend each material as well as how it behaves in various contexts or environments. 

If as an analytical chemist, you work in the pharmaceutical sector, you will be involved in every stage of the drug development process. 

To assess the stability and quality of medicinal compounds and their formulations, you will also investigate their chemical and physical properties.

An analytical chemist has significant responsibilities outside of the drug formulation and development process, including chemical or forensic analysis, product validation, quality control, and toxicological analysis.

The median yearly pay for analytical chemists is $58,309, with the highest-paid receiving more than $90,000 annually, however, some people make as much as $120,000.

3. Nanotechnologist

One of the highest paying biochemistry jobs and an important one as well as being a nanotechnologist, working to keep most people safe and our breathing air clean.

A nanotechnologist tests for pollutants and creates powders to enrich foods and drugs. In addition, they can manipulate proteins, cells, and other chemicals within the body.

This is a highly stressful job and requires an immense amount of focus with a keen eye for detail.

According to NNCI, the average yearly salary of a nanotechnologist is about $95,000.

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4. Patent Examiner

The work of a patent examiner is to determine whether an invention has been made when it was used, who has the right to use it, and whether there are enough variations between two designs to qualify as unique.

Looking at medical inventions and innovations is necessary while discussing biochemistry as a patent examiner.

This job can be exciting because you get to see what cutting-edge concepts are being pushed, even though there is no assurance that you will see many new designs.

According to Federal Pay, this job is one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs with an annual average salary of $124,000.

5. Science Writer

It is the responsibility of science writers to make sure that information from laboratories and scientists reaches the general population.

To make sure the information is accurate and understandable, this position involves equal amounts of learning and interpreting.

A background in chemistry, biology, and biomedical research is required for this position.

Although as a science writer you can write for anything, including nonprofits, governmental organizations, and medical corporations, it’s important to choose one to focus on as you develop your portfolio.

Being a science writer is one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs with an average annual salary of $127,000.

6. Petroleum Engineer

Most biofuels are frequently blended with petroleum fuel, hence there is strong pressure on petroleum engineers to acquire biochemistry training.

Even though you’ll need to go to a lot more classes after earning your biochemistry degree, petroleum engineer jobs are in high demand and you can earn a lot of money.

According to US News, petroleum engineer jobs are one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs with an annual average salary of $137,000.

7. Medical Science Liaison

With a salary that can be up to $170,000, this position serves numerous purposes for the businesses or organizations they work for.

A medical science liaison focuses on a particular therapeutic area or illness condition to talk about how different drugs, therapies, and treatments will affect it.

They are highly sought after by numerous companies even though they conduct exceedingly detailed examinations.

Being one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs, the annual average pay of a medical science liaison is $169,000.

8. Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

Running clinical studies to evaluate pharmaceuticals’ efficacy, advantages, and hazards before they are put on the market is part of a clinical research associate’s job description. 

As an employee of a pharmaceutical business or a contract research organization that works for a pharmaceutical company, clinical research associates work on both old and new medications.

You will participate as a clinical research associate in all phases of the clinical study, including selecting an investigative site, establishing it, starting clinical trials, evaluating its success, and ending them. 

You will also take part in research after a new drug has been introduced to ensure safety, including trials on people who are healthy or who have an illness, and potential negative effects.

Clinical research associates make an average of $125,103 a year in the United States as one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs while the top earners take home more than $187,000 annually.

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9. Biomedical Scientist

To assist doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, biomedical scientists conduct scientific studies on fluid and tissue samples. 

They also assess the efficacy of the treatments being applied as well and depending on the workplace environment, biomedical scientists play a variety of functions.

One of these four fields must be your area of specialization if you wish to work in the field of biomedicine:

• The study of infections includes virology and medical microbiology.
• The study of blood sciences includes clinical chemistry, transfusion science, hematology, and immunology.
• The study of cell science includes histopathology and cytology.
• The study of genetics and molecular pathology

In the United States, the typical yearly pay for biomedical scientists is $92,620 and the top-paid individuals make up to $126,000 annually, making it one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs.

10. Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists explore potential human side effects of various pharmaceuticals and look into how drugs interact with biological systems. 

To help in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of diseases, pharmacologists also develop, discover, and test medications.

You can choose to concentrate largely on either human or animal drugs as a pharmacologist. 

Depending on their field of expertise, pharmacologists can be classified into the following categories:

• Pharmacology of the heart
• Pharmacy for animals
• Pharmacology in practice
• Psychopharmacology
• Neuropharmacology

As a pharmacologist, you’ll do various useful work such as:

• Finding better and newer medications.
• Enhancing the efficacy and safety of the current drugs.
• Recognizing how individuals respond to various medications.
• Learning why certain medications cause people to react in different ways.
• Determining the cause of any drug’s unfavorable side effects or addictions.

The average pharmacologist pay in the United States is $121,391 per year, and the highest-paid earn is almost $132,000.

11. Forensic Scientist

By gathering and examining evidence such as fingerprints, blood splatters, DNA, tissue, hair, tire marks, paint & glass shards, incendiary compounds, or empty shell casings at crime scenes, forensic scientists assist criminal investigations.

The evidence offered in civil and criminal investigations may be used to support the prosecution or defense. 

As a forensic scientist, you will provide your testimony in the form of a written report, but in some circumstances, as an expert witness, you may be obliged to appear in court to present your testimony in person.

The forensics field you work in will most likely determine your responsibilities as a forensic scientist, these fields include:

• Chemistry: Your responsibilities include working on property crimes, such as burglary and arson.
• Biology: Your responsibilities include working on offenses against individuals, such as rape, murder, or assault.
• Drugs and toxicology: Your responsibilities include working on illegal drugs, such as DUI and poison detection.

You can work as a professional forensic scientist in the field of biochemistry if you have a degree in biochemistry. 

Some scientists in the field of forensic science are experts in handwriting, fingerprinting, or ballistics.

As one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs, the average salary of a forensic scientist is $66,850, although some highly paid professionals can make up to $103,430.

12. Toxicologist

Toxicologists are specialists in toxic substances and chemicals who use their knowledge in biology and chemistry to investigate and assess the safety of substances, chemicals, novel medications or drugs, natural compounds, radiation, and their effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health.

These experts can perform tests to determine whether a substance is harmful to the environment.

Toxicologists also assess the safety of a company’s products for the chemical, water, or pharmaceutical industries.

As a toxicologist, you can work for governmental organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The mean annual salary for toxicologists is $86,480, while the highest-paid medical professionals in this field make more than $131,000 per year, making toxicology one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs.

13. Clinical Scientist (Biochemistry)

Clinical scientists with a biochemistry degree perform analyses on patient blood, urine, or other bodily fluid samples to help with disease diagnosis, management, or treatment.

This is accomplished by creating or confirming the outcomes of chemical and biological analyses.

Clinical scientists frequently assist in the interpretation and validation of the sample data in hospital labs. 

The utilization of the test results is also counseled to physicians and general practitioners.

Clinical scientists in the US make an average of $124,347 a year, with the highest paid earning over $148,000, making this one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs.

14. Medicinal Chemists

This is one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs that involves using a variety of chemistry methods, particularly synthetic organic chemistry and tools for data analysis, to design and produce new pharmaceutically active compounds to aid in the treatment of specific diseases.

They design and test artificial healing agents in addition to isolating natural ones, making sure that any mixture is safe to use.

To comprehend and interpret the results of the biological tests of the chemicals they have synthesized, medicinal chemists collaborate closely with other experts. 

When there is sufficient proof that a compound works and is safe for usage in humans, researchers continue to study the results to determine how to improve molecules.

These professionals are in high demand once they graduate since they play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical sector.

The top earners in the field of medicinal chemistry make more than $124,000 annually, while the average annual salary in the United States is $92,560.

15. Scientific Laboratory Technician

To ensure they get the desired outcomes, a scientific laboratory technician works with complex systems and conducts extremely sophisticated diagnostic or mechanical testing.

To make sure that the conclusions are robust and trustworthy, these results are frequently duplicated numerous times. 

To guarantee that other technicians receive the same results, scientific laboratory technicians could also repeat these tests for them.

Writing your results down is a big part of this profession and depending on who you work with, the results might be publicized or kept internal to the business.

A scientific laboratory technician is one of the finest careers for persons with anxiety and one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs with an average annual salary of $57,000.

16. Health And Safety Inspector

A health and safety inspector, also known as an occupational health and safety technician, reviews workplace procedures and conditions to make sure they comply with legal requirements for what should be hygienic and safe for workers.

Even though this job doesn’t require a lot of testing or lab work, it is quite time-consuming and involves plenty of interpersonal engagement.

A health and safety inspector is one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs with an average annual salary of about $61,000.

17. Biotechnologist

A biotechnologist applies biology to real-world problems, such as helping to make protein medications or antibodies.

To create novel procedures or medical products, biotechnologists also manipulate and work with the biological system. 

Despite being a generic area of work, this is the primary position that graduates with degrees in biochemistry pursue.

It’s a good idea to specialize in a different area of biochemistry due to its popularity so that your credentials and resume can stand out in comparison to those of your peers.

The average annual salary of a biotechnologist is about $62,000, making it one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs.

18. Physician Associate

Working as a physician associate is another one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs supporting physicians in the treatment and diagnosis of patients.

They perform a variety of activities, including patient care, management, diagnosis, and examination, all under the direct supervision of physicians.

You’ll be responsible for making sure that patients are safe, healthy, and receiving care that is in their best interests as trusted healthcare professionals.

Physician associates can work in general practitioner offices or hospitals as a member of a medical team.  

Keep in mind that a physician associate and a physician assistant have separate responsibilities and shouldn’t be used interchangeably.

As a physician associate, you can work anywhere from a hospital to a general surgical office, but most of the time, you would be close to patients.

Physician associates in the United States make an average of $92,485 per year, with the highest-paid professionals making up to $200,000 annually.

19. Food Scientist

A food scientist works in the agriculture sector, researching and creating techniques to increase the production and/or sustainability of livestock and crops. 

These experts could also make sure that food is developed and processed in a safe and wholesome manner.

The majority of food scientists decide to focus on a particular area, such as plants, soil, or livestock.

They can also work as food technologists to create novel food items, sophisticated tools for contaminant detection, or packaging strategies. 

You can become a food scientist with a biochemistry degree and earn a good salary.

Most biochemistry graduates who work as food scientists provide details on the chemical alterations taking place in foods, such as the reaction of enzymes and how calories affect our bodies.

Positions for food scientists might be quite competitive, so ensure you avoid the main reasons for rejection, so your application can stand out.

The top-paid food scientists in the US make more than $107,000 a year, while the average annual salary is about $68,897.

20. College Professor

A huge portion of biochemistry graduates and Ph.D. holders go on to teach at colleges in their fields of specialization. 

Your principal objective as a college professor of biochemistry will be to instruct and assess students, much like any other professor.

A college professor not only has one of the top highest paying biochemistry jobs in the United States, but also the honorable duty of guiding and motivating the upcoming generation of bioscientists.

The emphasis as a biochemistry professor, though, is mainly on carrying out laboratories, reproducing findings, and developing projects for your students to finish.

The highest-paid college teachers earn up to $178,000 a year, while the average annual salary is about $70,427.

21. Academic Researcher

Academic researchers use the knowledge, proficiency, and abilities they have acquired through study and research to publish articles on their work in reputable, peer-reviewed journals and to write books and reports on their specialized fields of knowledge.

The main objective of an academic researcher is to understand more about the topic, before conducting investigations.

University and research institutes are where most academic scholars are based, so university students are mostly taught by and under the supervision of academic scholars.

Although a Ph.D. is not necessary for this position, people with advanced degrees typically earn more and have their papers viewed more highly.

Many appreciate the fact that being an academic researcher allows them to pass on their knowledge to future generations of educators.

With an average yearly salary of about $64,103, an academic researcher is one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs in the United States. 

Although, professionals with the highest earnings can earn up to $156,500 a year.

22. Clinical Lab Scientist

Clinical lab scientists are one of the highest paying biochemistry jobs that are called various names including medical lab scientists.

The primary duty of clinical lab scientists is to examine numerous specimens from biological sources.

This could entail taking samples of tissue to check for cancer or conducting numerous other scientific tests, then reporting the results to the doctors who asked for them.

The typical medical lab technician also examines patient samples, including tissue and physiological fluids, and notes whether their results are normal or may indicate a disease or illness.

Then, even though they examine the samples and present their findings, they refrain from making the diagnoses and instead clearly state what the testing indicates to them.

According to the Biomedical Equipment Tech Wiki, the average annual salary of a clinical lab scientist is about $86,000.

23. Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists examine and study the nervous system with a primary focus on the brain and how the brain affects cognition and behavior.

Neuroscientists find solutions to assist individuals with neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric illnesses, which typically requires understanding their causes.

They also examine nerve cells, the spinal cord, and the brain.

As one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs, the average annual pay of neuroscientists is about $84,000.

24. Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers are compared to biochemical engineers, but they place a greater emphasis on technological and medical advancements when creating new tools and equipment for the medical industry.

A combination of biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science knowledge and skills are required for this work.

Biomedical engineers can develop new gear to facilitate limb replacement or augmentation or construct computer simulations to test medical therapies.

Since it is one of the highest-paying biochemistry jobs, those who graduate with the necessary degrees are rapidly hired.

Gaining a master’s degree in bioengineering or another program that is closely related will make it simpler for you to find employment as a biomedical engineer if you already have a degree in biochemistry.

The average income for biomedical engineers in the United States is $101,020 per year, while the highest earners can earn up to $154,000.

25. Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Controlling pollutants, reducing health risks, and preventing the spread of viruses are the main responsibilities of an environmental engineer.

You can improve the environment and people’s health by doubling up on environmental engineering and biochemistry.

According to the US News, the average yearly salary of an environmental engineer is $94,000.

26. Life Science Research Scientist

Life science research scientists work in the field of life sciences and conduct research that advances the development of new goods expands the scope of commercial applications or advances general scientific knowledge. 

Life science research scientists can find employment with a wide variety of companies and including colleges and universities, government laboratories, specialized research organizations, and environmental organizations.

As a result, you have a wide range of options for gathering, organizing, and analyzing data from experiments, trials, and lab-based investigations.

Areas of life science that researchers in that field can focus on are:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Genomics
• Physiology
• Onology
• Bioinformatics
• Science of plants
• Stem cell analysis

Although most of the study will focus on the medical sciences, some cases will also touch on fields like biochemistry that are relevant to medicine.

Life science research experts make an average of $103,500 per year, while the highest professionals can earn more than $151,000.

FAQ

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you just graduated with a four-year degree or you want to enhance your pay with a master’s degree, biochemistry gives you a great opportunity at earning a decent income.

With the list of top highest paying biochemistry jobs, you can now find which job is most suitable for you and start earning.