Biochemists vs Microbiologists
Median pay is about $39k higher for Biochemists. Both usually start with the same education: doctoral.
marks the higher pay or growth. Education, difficulty and the AI rows depend on what you want, so they are not marked.
| Measure | Biochemists | Microbiologists |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | ||
| Median pay | $127,410, higher | $87,990 |
| Entry pay 25th percentile | $95,000, higher | $67,100 |
| Experienced pay 75th percentile | $163,460, higher | $122,350 |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | ||
| Projected growth | +12% Growing fast, higher | +6.2% Growing fast |
| Openings a year | 2,900 | 1,500 |
| Getting in | ||
| Typical education | Doctoral | Doctoral |
| Difficulty modeled | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| AI | ||
| Displacement risk modeled | High | High |
| AI exposure modeled, percentile | 71st pct | 66th pct |
Skills
Both lean on the same top skills: science, reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, active listening, speaking.
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Pay and outlook: BLS (OEWS 2025, Employment Projections 2025-2035). Skills: O*NET 30.3. Difficulty, displacement risk and AI exposure are modeled estimates. How these numbers are made.