Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $107,910 +4.1% vs national
Median hourly $51.88
10th percentile $72,470
90th percentile $165,270
Employed locally 1,010
National median $103,650

Compare Biochemists and Biophysicists salary & buying power

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Biochemists and Biophysicists
in
San Diego, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $72,470
    25th
    $80,010
    50th (median)
    $107,910
    75th
    $138,770
    90th
    $165,270

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Biochemists and Biophysicists salary vs area income 105% Median Biochemists and Biophysicists salary is 5% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Jacksonville, FL $174,880
    Knoxville, TN $149,140
    Florida $148,880
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $144,180
    Arkansas $143,490
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $140,850

    Nearby metros — Biochemists and Biophysicists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $140,850
    California $130,240
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $129,490
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $127,510
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $126,830
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $110,460

    Related occupations in San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $128,270
    Biological Scientists, All Other $105,160
    Biological Technicians $61,070
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $65,560
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $99,990
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $97,300

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Biochemists and Biophysicists make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Biochemists and Biophysicists in San Diego, CA is $51.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $95.70 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Biochemists and Biophysicists salaries?

    The median Biochemists and Biophysicists salary in San Diego, CA is 4.1% above the national median of $103,650. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Biochemists and Biophysicists in San Diego?

    Entry-level Biochemists and Biophysicists (10th percentile) earn around $72,470 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $80,010.