California · Biochemistry

Best Biochemistry institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Biochemistry program, officially titled Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, focuses on the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. This interdisciplinary field combines principles from both chemistry and…

Institutions
50
offering CIP 26.02
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
1,682
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$46,689
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
19
College Scorecard
Median net price
$26,035
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
72%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Biochemists and Biophysicists
$130,030
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1California State University - San Marcos
San Marcos Public · Bachelor's degree
$57,6822355%$16,666
2California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Public · Bachelor's degree
$57,5382986%$17,500
3California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles Public · Bachelor's degree
$50,4282553%$16,730
4University of California - Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Public · Bachelor's degree
$49,1008583%$9,500
5University of San Diego
San Diego Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$48,7281284%$26,035$27,500
6California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento Public · Bachelor's degree
$46,6892156%$16,500
7California State University - Northridge
Northridge Public · Bachelor's degree
$45,4532257%
8University of California - San Diego
La Jolla Public · Bachelor's degree
$45,06620086%$17,500
9California State University - Chico
Chico Public · Bachelor's degree
$42,8861763%$23,000
10University of California - Davis
Davis Public · Bachelor's degree
$42,26620186%$11,208

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Biochemists and Biophysicists (SOC 19-1021).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+5.8%
Faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~2,900
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$103,650
typically Doctoral or professional degree

Top skills

ScienceReading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningActive Learning

What Biochemists and Biophysicists earn in California

Jobs in California
4,190
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$130,030
median $130,240
Best-paying metro
$142,170
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Related careers

Biological Scientists, All Other
$121,000 avg · 12,580 jobs
Biological Technicians
$70,930 avg · 10,680 jobs
Biochemists and Biophysicists
$130,030 avg · 4,190 jobs
Food Science Technicians
$55,100 avg · 4,000 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Biochemistry programs in California.

Which Biochemistry program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), California State University - San Marcos tops the list at $57,682. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Biochemists and Biophysicists earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Biochemists and Biophysicists in California is $130,030 (median $130,240), across about 4,190 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Biochemistry program?+

The Biochemistry program, officially titled Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, focuses on the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. This interdisciplinary field combines principles from both chemistry and…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop science, reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Biochemists and Biophysicists?+

The national job outlook is about +5.8% growth with around 2,900 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Doctoral or professional degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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