What Can You Do With a Biochemistry Degree?

A biochemistry degree can open many professional doors in your life. This career is related to science, biology, medicine, and research. If you are a biochemistry student wondering about your potential career paths, read on to learn about the best jobs for biochemistry majors depending on their degree level. 

What Is a Biochemistry Major?

A biochemistry major is a professional dedicated to the investigation of chemical processes in living organisms. Biochemistry students learn to use resources and tools to observe, study, analyze, and manipulate cellular systems with a specific objective. They have to develop strong analytical skills and observational skills, as well as in-depth scientific knowledge of cell biology.

How to Become a Biochemist: Biochemistry Education Options

To become a biochemist, you must complete a degree at an accredited university to learn the concepts and technical procedures involved in research. An undergraduate degree in this field is available only at traditional schools and community colleges. Read on to learn more about available biochemistry degree programs.

Biochemistry Associate Degree

An associate degree is a diploma you earn after completing a two-year program at a community college. Many students choose these schools because of their inexpensive tuition and shorter time commitment. This degree can lead to entry-level positions that will help you gain relevant work experience. Check out the top biochemistry associate degree programs below.

Best Associate Degree Programs in Biochemistry

• Associate of Science in Biotechnology | MassBay Community College
• Associate of Science in Bioengineering | Ohlone College
• Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biochemistry | Scottsdale Community College
• Biochemistry Associate in Arts | Pensacola State College

Biochemistry Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the most common path for professionals in this field. Most students choose to study biological sciences and then pursue a specialization in biochemistry. An advantage of this degree is that it is a prerequisite for more advanced programs, such as master’s or doctoral degrees. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Biochemistry

• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry | The State University of New York at Geneseo
• Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry | Wartburg College
• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry | University of Tampa College of Natural and Health Sciences
• Bachelor in Biology & Biochemistry | Belmont Abbey College

Biochemistry Master’s Degree

After completing a bachelor’s degree, gaining a master’s degree will increase your chances of obtaining higher salaries and more advanced job opportunities. An advanced degree will allow you to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of essential concepts in the biochemistry field. Find out below which universities offer the best master’s degrees in biochemistry.

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Biochemistry

• Master of Science in Biochemistry | Rush University
• Master of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry  | Seton Hall University
• Master of Science in Biochemistry | University of Saint Joseph
• Master of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Cell and Molecular Biology | St. John’s University
  

Biochemistry Career Overview: Is a Biochemistry Career Worth It?

Biochemistry Job Outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for biochemists and biophysicists will grow five percent between 2020 and 2030. Approximately 3,200 new jobs will be created each year for these professionals.

Biochemistry Salaries

According to BLS, biochemists and biophysicists earn a median annual wage of $94,270. Salaries depend on many factors, including experience, responsibilities, and level of education. The BLS report also shows that wholesale trade is the highest paying career for biochemistry graduates, with these professionals earning an average of $115,260 per year.

Best Jobs for Biochemistry Majors: What Can You Do With a Biochemistry Degree?

With a biochemistry degree, you can opt for various careers related to biological sciences. It is important to mention that each occupation requires skills, certifications, and specific experience according to the company or organization. Learn more about the highest-paying biochemistry jobs below. 

Best Jobs for Biochemistry Associate Degree Majors

Pharmacist 

• Average Salary: $128,710
• Job Outlook: -2 percent

You can use your knowledge about biochemistry in work in a pharmaceutical company. Pharmacist technicians must know about the chemical components of medications for counseling and dispensing. With an associate degree, you can work in local pharmacies or drug factories.

Biotechnologist

• Average Salary: $66,480
• Job Outlook: 7 percent* 

The main task of a biotechnologist is to create and develop products for agriculture and medicine focused on human health. These professionals work with medical scientists and researchers to analyze molecular-level systems that fulfill special functions according to the objective of the company or organization.

Biologist

• Average Salary: $66,350
• Job Outlook: 5 percent

A biologist analyzes, observes, manipulates, and evaluates the results of biological investigations. Like biological technicians, biologists work in laboratories, master natural and physical sciences, and study biological processes. The technical field also focuses on maintaining, organizing, and preparing work instruments for investigations.

Laboratory Technician

• Average Salary: $54,180
• Job Outlook: 11 percent

A laboratory technician with an associate degree can participate in laboratory tests to analyze living substances and particles. In addition, they must adjust, maintain, and control the tools in a laboratory. Usually, these workers also manage databases of samples and results.

Biological Technician

• Average Salary: $46,340
• Job Outlook: 7 percent

A biological technician can work in laboratories and lend support to biological and medical scientists for conducting tests and experiments. An associate degree specialist might work for a chemical company while gaining experience alongside scientists with more experience and additional education.

*Job outlook data from BLS report on biological technicians.

Best Jobs for Biochemistry Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Biochemist

• Average Salary: $94,270
• Job Outlook: 5 percent

A biochemist with a bachelor’s degree can get a job as a principal investigator in a laboratory. In this work, you must analyze the chemical processes of cellular particles according to the company or organization’s objectives. Biochemists also lead research groups in medical laboratories and work with other professionals in similar fields to analyze and obtain results.

Medical Scientist

• Average Salary: $91,510
• Job Outlook: 17 percent

The work of a medical laboratory scientist consists of studying diseases, prevention methods, and possible cures. Clinical scientists use concepts from biochemistry to obtain results through molecular observation. Most of these professionals work in the pharmaceutical industry, or for research centers, universities, and hospitals, and they may collaborate with medical professionals. 

Environmental Scientist

• Average Salary: $73,230
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

The work of an environmental scientist consists of observing, collecting, and analyzing natural samples to study specific biological processes. Many of these professionals work with government departments and research centers at universities.

Zoologist

• Average Salary: $66,350
• Job Outlook: 5 percent

If you complete a zoology degree program, you will participate directly in fieldwork, wildlife observation, and wildlife analysis. Some of the tasks consist of studying samples of animals and their environments to determine behaviors and relationships with other species.

Forensic Scientist

• Average Salary: $60,590
• Job Outlook: 16 percent

This occupation combines biological work with the criminal investigation process. A forensic scientist takes samples from a crime scene to evaluate the molecular elements that help solve crimes. A forensic scientist might occasionally serve as an expert witness during the court process. 

Best Jobs for Biochemistry Master’s Degree Majors

Physician

• Average Salary: $203,000
• Job Outlook: 3 percent

A physician is a professional with a medical degree who works to diagnose illnesses or injuries and decides on the most appropriate treatments. Physicians can specialize in different areas according to their interests and skillset. A strong background in biochemistry will be excellent preparation if you choose to go to medical school. 

Biochemical Engineer

• Average Salary: $92,620
• Job Outlook: 6 percent

This work has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to technological innovation. Biochemical engineers develop medical devices and equipment that replace the functions of organs and other parts of the human body. This occupation combines medical science, engineering, and biology to research and create systems suitable for healthcare.

Toxicologist

• Average Salary: $86,385
• Job Outlook: 17 percent* 

Toxicologists perform medical tests to determine diseases and identify problems with the body. These professionals typically analyze bodily fluids, cell samples, and other organic materials to assist medical professionals to treat patients. 

Food Scientist

• Average Salary: $68,830
• Job Outlook: 9 percent 

As a food scientist, your responsibilities are to evaluate and create experiments that support animal productivity and food manufacturing processes. This occupation is related to agriculture. Food scientists take samples and evaluate biological systems and molecular components to create products suitable for consumption.

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Biology Teacher

• Average Salary: $62,870
• Job Outlook: 8 percent

A biology teacher works in high schools teaching elementary concepts in biology, biochemistry, and related areas. In addition, the position requires technical experience to instruct students on how to use laboratory instruments. A master’s degree may be the requirement for a high school job. Some community colleges also recruit teachers with this academic level.

*Job outlook statistic from BLS report on medical scientists

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Biochemistry

1. Research the schools. Education is essential to get opportunities in this field. If you want an associate or bachelor’s degree, read about the programs offered by multiple schools and select one that offers courses that will set you up to excel in your dream career. Selecting a good university can be a key factor in your success.
   
2. Study and practice. In the biochemistry industry, technical skills represent a high percentage of work activities. It is important to study and practice to gain professional experience and increase your job opportunities.
   
3. Look for offers according to your academic level. Jobs related to this field require vast experience. You may need to start out as an apprentice or in entry-level roles to learn about the work environment until you become more qualified.

The biochemistry industry provides society with medical advances and biological research. Because they perform such valuable work, these professionals often earn above-average annual wages. If you have strong critical thinking skills and enjoy learning about complicated scientific processes, gaining a biochemistry degree is a strong first step towards a lucrative career.