Biochemists and Biophysicists
SOC Code: 19-1021 Job Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Biochemists and Biophysicists. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $80,579 | $153,982 | $227,406 | $300,810 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $79,997 | $150,634 | $221,291 | $291,928 |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $80,018 | $150,426 | $220,834 | $291,242 |
| Greeley, CO | $77,043 | $131,893 | $186,763 | $241,613 |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $76,690 | $129,418 | $182,146 | $234,874 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $74,422 | $125,694 | $176,966 | $228,238 |
| Rome, GA | $72,717 | $123,906 | $175,094 | $226,283 |
| Gainesville, GA | $71,032 | $121,035 | $171,038 | $221,042 |
| New Haven, CT | $74,110 | $122,158 | $170,186 | $218,234 |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area | $66,040 | $116,126 | $166,192 | $216,278 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | 538 | $75,527 |
| University of California, San Francisco | 489 | $736,012 |
| Duke University | 257 | $66,242 |
| The Leland Stanford, Jr University | 238 | $82,434 |
| The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center | 184 | $71,825 |
| National Institutes of Health, HHS | 166 | $101,277 |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO | 159 | $75,265 |
| Howard Hughes Medical Institute | 151 | $81,945 |
| General Hospital Corporation | 143 | $1,084,966 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 136 | $73,674 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 599 | $69,141 |
| 2021 | 589 | $77,100 |
| 2022 | 607 | $77,062 |
| 2023 | 1,323 | $201,194 |
| 2024 | 2,532 | $152,776 |
| 2025 | 2,725 | $284,120 |
| 2026 | 534 | $1,089,667 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Science | 4.8 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.4 | |
| Critical Thinking | 4.2 | |
| Writing | 4.2 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.1 | |
| Speaking | 4.1 | |
| Active Learning | 4.1 | |
| Active Listening | 4.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.0 | |
| Learning Strategies | 4.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Biology | 4.7 |
| Chemistry | 4.3 |
| Mathematics | 4.3 |
| English Language | 4.3 |
| Physics | 4.0 |
| Education and Training | 3.7 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.5 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.4 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Other | 40.0% |
| Bachelor's degree | 25.0% |
| Post-first professional | 25.0% |
| First professional degree (MD, JD) | 10.0% |
Typical Tasks
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
- Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
- Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
- Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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