Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $126,830 +22.4% vs national
Median hourly $60.98
10th percentile $80,930
90th percentile $187,300
Employed locally 300
National median $103,650

Compare Biochemists and Biophysicists salary & buying power

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Biochemists and Biophysicists
in
San Jose, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $80,930
    25th
    $100,470
    50th (median)
    $126,830
    75th
    $171,880
    90th
    $187,300

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Biochemists and Biophysicists salary vs area income 81% Median Biochemists and Biophysicists salary is 19% below 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
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $110,460
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $107,910

    Related occupations in San Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $155,990
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $132,230
    Biological Scientists, All Other $132,630
    Biological Technicians $71,920
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $101,520
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $75,670

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Biochemists and Biophysicists in San Jose, CA is $60.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $98.70 or more per hour.

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

    The median Biochemists and Biophysicists salary in San Jose, CA is 22.4% 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 Jose?

    Entry-level Biochemists and Biophysicists (10th percentile) earn around $80,930 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $100,470.