Biochemist Salary
A biochemist is a scientist who studies the chemical transformations and processes of living things, and the ways different substances interact with living organisms. Due to the nature of these studies and experiments, biochemists have often found work in the production of new chemical agents and research devoted to the their interactions with organisms. Others working with applied research focus their attention on the testing or already developed facts and working to take them to a higher level of understanding.
Biochemists can find work in a number of different places. Many companies require biochemists to test the interactions of their products on people and animals, and there are agencies that must perform the exact same task, except focusing on proving their results correct. Many also find work in the medical field, teaching in universities, and performing independent research, testing various things like metabolism and reproduction.
All biochemists will have a Doctorate when they have finished their education, and they are all medical doctors. Since they are testing the application of various substances on living organisms and the chemical reactions that take place they must possess a medical degree. For those who are looking to become a biochemist, primary education should focus on chemistry, biology, anatomy, and any other kind of science you can get in to. Most major universities have a degree in biochemistry, but students wanting to become a biochemist can also focus on a degree in biology or chemistry, since many of the concepts are integrated to form the entire science behind biochemistry.
As a biochemist, salary will become dependent upon where you are working, the level of education you have, and any work experience you have. Since becoming a biochemist involve becoming a doctor, the starting salary is higher than most other professions. The average first year biochemist salary is around $47,000. For those with up to ten years of experience, you can expect an average salary of around $58,000 a year. The average salary increases quite a bit for those with an additional ten years of experience, since they tend to average close to $100,000.
It is not uncommon for those with many years of experience to pull in more than $130,000.
The average biochemist salary depends on the company you work for. Those working for major corporation will typically pull in more than those working for the government.
