Average Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Biochemists and Biophysicists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an average annual salary of $104,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $117,200, suggesting that while the region offers substantial compensation, it may not reach the peak national earnings for this specialized scientific field. Local market dynamics and demand likely influence this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $157,430.
- Outlook: The local job market for Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, while not as concentrated as the national average (Location Quotient of 0.85), still supports a workforce of 590 professionals. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these roles within the region, suggesting a consistent but not rapidly expanding job landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-10.9%below the national average.
$50.2
$2,007
$8,698
Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Biochemists and Biophysicists across the nation, including the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by advancements in biotechnology, increased research funding, and the ongoing demand for scientific expertise in various sectors.
Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Biochemists and Biophysicists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while senior scientists and principal investigators, with a decade or more of experience and specialized skills, can command salaries well above the $104,370 mark. The percentile gaps in salary data clearly signify this career trajectory and the rewards of advanced expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,700 | $30.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,278 | $37.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $104,420 | $50.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $130,463 | $62.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $157,430 | $75.7 |
Detailed Biochemists and Biophysicists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $104,370 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Biochemist's or Biophysicist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
0.19
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.85x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV region shows a slightly lower concentration of Biochemists and Biophysicists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and supports a local workforce, it is not a primary hub for this profession, indicating a moderately competitive environment where opportunities exist but may require targeted job searching.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Biochemists and Biophysicists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Biochemists and Biophysicists Salary | $112,670↑ 8% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Biochemists and Biophysicistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Biochemists and Biophysicists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Biochemists and Biophysicists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $104,370. This typically ranges from $62,700 for entry-level positions to $157,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 10.9% lower than the national median of $117,200.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Biochemists and Biophysicists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $104,370 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $117,200. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Biochemists and Biophysicists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($112,670) and others.
What is the average salary for a Biochemist in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The average annual salary for Biochemists and Biophysicists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $104,370.
How does the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $104,370 in this region is lower than the national average of $117,200 for Biochemists and Biophysicists.
What is the cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The cost of living in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is indexed at 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Biochemists and Biophysicists in this region?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.85, indicating a slightly lower presence of these professionals 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 590 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.19 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV