Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in San Francisco, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $140,850 +35.9% vs national
Median hourly $67.72
10th percentile $83,250
90th percentile $198,010
Employed locally 1,940
National median $103,650

Compare Biochemists and Biophysicists salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how San Francisco, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Biochemists and Biophysicists
in
San Francisco, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $83,250
    25th
    $102,450
    50th (median)
    $140,850
    75th
    $169,530
    90th
    $198,010

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 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
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $135,320

    Nearby metros — Biochemists and Biophysicists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    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
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $107,910

    Related occupations in San Francisco, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $142,540
    Biological Scientists, All Other $132,670
    Biological Technicians $79,270
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $160,210
    Chemists $126,190
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $80,100

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Biochemists and Biophysicists in San Francisco, CA is $67.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $107.57 or more per hour.

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

    The median Biochemists and Biophysicists salary in San Francisco, CA is 35.9% 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 Francisco?

    Entry-level Biochemists and Biophysicists (10th percentile) earn around $83,250 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $102,450.