Average Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Biochemists and Biophysicists in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $93,130. This figure is notably below the national average of $117,200, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific types of research institutions present, play a significant role in compensation levels within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,380.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME market for Biochemists and Biophysicists, while having a relatively small total workforce of 340 individuals, exhibits a strong concentration relative to the national average. With a Location Quotient of 5.26, this indicates a significantly higher presence of these professionals than typically found nationwide, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust local demand for their expertise within the region's scientific and research sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Biochemists and Biophysicists in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-20.5%below the national average.
$44.8
$1,791
$7,761
Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Portland-South Portland, ME have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by ongoing advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, which continue to fuel demand for specialized scientific talent across various metropolitan areas.
Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Salary progression for Biochemists and Biophysicists is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior scientists with extensive research experience, advanced degrees, and proven track records in project management or specialized techniques can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the career progression opportunities available, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,830 | $30.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $69,848 | $33.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $96,110 | $46.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $116,413 | $56 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $125,380 | $60.3 |
Detailed Biochemists and Biophysicists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $93,130 for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Portland-South Portland, ME aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals considering relocation to this area.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
1.179
Per 1K Jobs
5.26
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 5.3x the national concentration of Biochemists and Biophysicists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 5.26 for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Portland-South Portland, ME signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the area is a significant hub for these professionals, with a demand that is more than five times the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized ecosystem, potentially offering unique career opportunities but also implying a competitive environment for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Biochemists and Biophysicists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary | $97,690↑ 5% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Biochemists and Biophysicists make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Biochemists and Biophysicists in Portland-South Portland, ME is $93,130. This typically ranges from $62,830 for entry-level positions to $125,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 20.5% lower than the national median of $117,200.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Biochemists and Biophysicists?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $93,130 is substantially lower than the national average of $117,200, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific location.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Biochemists and Biophysicists?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area ($97,690) and others.
What is the job outlook for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The job outlook is influenced by a high concentration (LQ of 5.26) within a smaller workforce (340), suggesting specialized demand. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living could make it an attractive location for those seeking a specific regional focus in their career.
How does experience affect a Biochemist's salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?
Experience is a primary driver of salary increases. Entry-level roles will be at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and contribution to research.
Is the cost of living a factor for Biochemists in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME is exactly at the national average (100). This means that the $93,130 average salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a neutral factor in financial planning for professionals.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
With a local workforce of 340, the market is relatively niche. However, the high Location Quotient suggests that within this niche, opportunities may be concentrated in specific industries or research institutions, potentially offering specialized career paths.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.179 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Biochemists and Biophysicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME