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Average Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in Washington

Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington earn an average annual salary of $97,090, which is below the national average of $117,200. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including the specific industry demands within the state and the concentration of specialized research institutions that may influence compensation structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $97,090 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,370.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 530 Biochemists and Biophysicists, Washington presents a moderately sized, yet specialized, job market. The Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates that this field is less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting potential opportunities for growth and entry for skilled professionals seeking to establish or advance their careers in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$97,090

The average Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington earns-17.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.7

Weekly

$1,867

Monthly

$8,091

Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists and lead researchers, with extensive experience and specialized skills, can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and reward for accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$65,120$31.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$72,818$35
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$107,730$51.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$121,363$58.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$122,370$58.8

Detailed Biochemists and Biophysicists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$97,090

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$84,353

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $97,090 in Washington needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of a Washington-based Biochemist's salary is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living. Therefore, while the nominal salary is substantial, the effective disposable income may be less than in more affordable regions.

Job Market Context

530

Total Jobs

0.148

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington has 0.66x the national average concentration of Biochemists and Biophysicists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.66 for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington suggests that the field is less concentrated here than the national average. This could indicate a less saturated job market, potentially offering more opportunities for new entrants or those looking to transition into the field. However, it also implies that the demand might be more niche or spread across fewer major hubs within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Biochemists and Biophysicists

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Biochemists and Biophysicists make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington is $97,090. This typically ranges from $65,120 for entry-level positions to $122,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 17.2% lower than the national median of $117,200.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Biochemists and Biophysicists?

No, not comparatively.While the average salary of $97,090 is substantial, it falls below the national average, and the higher cost of living further reduces its relative value.

Is Washington a good place to live for Biochemists and Biophysicists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($95,860) and others.

What is the average salary for a Biochemist in Washington?

The average annual salary for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington is $97,090.

How does Washington's salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average salary in Washington ($97,090) is lower than the national average ($117,200).

What is the Cost of Living in Washington compared to the national average?

Washington has a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average (100).

Is the job market for Biochemists concentrated in Washington?

No, the Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates that the field is less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.148 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.