Biochemists and Biophysicists salary in District of Columbia
Biochemists and Biophysicists in District of Columbia earn a median of $120,090 a year ($57.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $62,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $182,100 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $127,410. District of Columbia ranks 8th of 35 states for biochemists and biophysicists pay. There are 0.09 biochemists and biophysicists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.43). The average (mean) salary is $121,400, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for biochemists and biophysicists in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $62,080 | $29.84 |
| 25th percentile | $62,540 | $30.07 |
| Median | $120,090 | $57.74 |
| 75th percentile | $182,100 | $87.55 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $182,100 | $87.55 |
| Average (mean) | $121,400 | $58.37 |
Half of biochemists and biophysicists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,007.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,003.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,618.85 |
| Weekly | $2,309.42 |
| Hourly | $57.74 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $120,090 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Biochemists and Biophysicists salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $103,660 | 490 |
Highest-paying states for biochemists and biophysicists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Florida | $157,390 |
| California | $139,580 |
| Tennessee | $134,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $134,090 |
| Connecticut | $132,670 |
| Massachusetts | $131,600 |
| New Jersey | $122,620 |
| District of Columbia | $120,090 |
| New Hampshire | $109,770 |
| Michigan | $109,340 |
Related jobs in District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $84,590 | $40.67 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $101,940 | $49.01 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $107,050 | $51.46 |
| Conservation Scientist | $99,400 | $47.79 |
| Epidemiologist | $112,370 | $54.02 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $107,140 | $51.51 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $167,640 | $80.60 |
| Forester | $74,710 | $35.92 |
| Political Scientist | $152,530 | $73.33 |
| Economist | $167,590 | $80.57 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $128,440 | $61.75 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $65,330 | $31.41 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $132,620 | $63.76 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | $156,730 | $75.35 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-1021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a biochemists and biophysicists make in District of Columbia?
The median salary for biochemists and biophysicists in District of Columbia is $120,090 a year, or $57.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $62,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $182,100 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid biochemists and biophysicists make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of biochemists and biophysicists in District of Columbia earn at least $182,100 a year. The top 25% earn $182,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for biochemists and biophysicists in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $62,080 a year, and a quarter of biochemists and biophysicists earn $62,540 or less.
How many biochemists and biophysicists work in District of Columbia?
About 70 biochemists and biophysicists are employed in District of Columbia, not counting the self-employed.