What can you do with a Biochemistry degree?

First, some facts. Of the Biochemistry graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 2246 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Biochemistry graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 71%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 55% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Biochemistry graduate.

See the details:

View a random Biochemistry graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 99%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2013 from University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biochemistry. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Teacher
The United Presbyterian Church of Seattle
Jul 2013 - Aug 2013
The teacher position at The United Presbyterian Church may involve general education skills and knowledge that can benefit from a background in biochemistry, but it does not specifically require core qualifications or knowledge in the field of biochemistry.

Assistant Manager
Korea Chemicals Management Association
Sep 2014 - Present
The role of Assistant Manager at Korea Chemicals Management Association directly relates to the knowledge and skills obtained from a biochemistry degree, particularly in areas related to chemical management and safety regulations specific to the field.

ABOUT

- , , - - - ARECs, CCA and Biocide Act

What jobs can you get with a Biochemistry degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the career trajectories of individuals who have graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, it's clear that there are several types of jobs that commonly emerge. A significant number of graduates tend to move into roles within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, where their knowledge of biochemistry proves invaluable. Positions like Pharmacists, Pharmacy Interns, Clinical Research Associates, and Medical Technologists are a testament to the relevance of a biochemistry degree in these fields. For example, many pharmacy intern roles directly apply biochemistry knowledge regarding drug interactions, patients' metabolic processes, and medication management, highlighting a strong correlation between their academic training and daily responsibilities.

While many graduates establish careers that leverage their biochemistry background, not all job roles align directly with the core competencies learned in their programs. For instance, some graduates find themselves in roles such as Sales Representatives, Administrative Assistants, or University Instructors, which may not require the in-depth biochemical knowledge honed during their studies. These positions often focus on interpersonal, organizational, or technological skills rather than scientific principles. Consequently, it can be seen that graduates from a biochemistry program may find diverse career paths, but those that maintain a clear relevance to their field of study are predominantly found within scientific research, healthcare, and biopharmaceutical domains.

Overall, while a considerable number of biochemistry graduates take on roles that are quite relevant to their education, a significant number also enter fields that do not necessarily require their specialized knowledge. This suggests that while the degree is valuable and applicable in several contexts, the job market for biochemistry graduates can vary widely in terms of relevance to their core competencies. Thus, it is essential for those pursuing a degree in biochemistry to consider their career goals carefully and explore how their knowledge can be applied in various industries.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biochemistry graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Biochemistry graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When you look at the career trajectories of Biochemistry graduates from various schools, you start to see some interesting patterns. First jobs after graduation often tend to be closely related to their degree, such as laboratory technicians, research assistants, or working in healthcare settings like medical laboratories or pharmacies. It's clear that many graduates hit the ground running in roles that utilize their biochemistry background right out of the gate, which is encouraging for new graduates looking for relevant job opportunities in their field.

However, the picture shifts a bit when you look at their careers 5 to 10 years down the line. Many graduates remain within scientific research, advancing to roles like associate scientists or senior researchers. But there are also a number who transition into areas less directly linked to their initial field of study. Some find themselves in positions such as project management, teaching, or even sales—these can be valuable, but they sometimes stray from their core education in biochemistry. This suggests that while a biochemistry education provides a strong foundation, its application can broaden significantly over time. It raises the question of whether these graduates are deliberately choosing diverse paths or if they are encountering challenges in their specific field, leading them to pivot into other industries.

On a more positive note, there are also many success stories tucked into this mix—graduates who advance into notable positions such as clinical pharmacy or specialized research roles. It's also worth noting that a significant number remain active in research, aiming for PhDs and postdoctoral roles. This shows that while there may be a mix of paths, many stay within the realms of science and healthcare, leveraging their biochemistry background in impactful ways. Overall, it seems that biochemistry graduates have good initial job prospects, but their longer-term career satisfaction may rely heavily on the opportunities they encounter and pursue following their education.

How hard is a Biochemistry degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy science and have a knack for problem-solving, you might find it rewarding rather than too hard. The coursework involves a lot of chemistry, biology, and lab work, so expect to dive deep into complex concepts and do some intense studying. It can feel overwhelming at times, especially when juggling multiple subjects and tough exams, but many students find satisfaction in the material once they get the hang of it. So yeah, it’s a solid challenge, but if you’re passionate about it, you might just thrive!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry.

Do Biochemistry graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates, it's a mixed bag when it comes to salary potential. Some of the more established careers, like those in pharmacy or medicine, appear to be quite lucrative. For instance, pharmacy residents and physicians are on a solid salary trajectory, often leading to high-paying positions in healthcare. Similarly, graduates in biotech and pharma roles, especially those at companies like Pfizer or Thermo Fisher, typically command decent salaries as well. On the other hand, some individuals, especially those fresh out of school with roles like teaching assistants or research assistants, might not be making as much right away. Job titles like "Pharmacy Technician" and "Laboratory Assistant" often come with lower starting salaries, which might take some time to rise substantially.

Ultimately, the financial outlook for these graduates largely depends on their specific field, level of education, and the industry they choose to enter. While some might see solid salaries and rapid growth, others may have to navigate through lower-paying roles initially before they find their footing. Networking, ongoing education, and on-the-job experience will play crucial roles in boosting their earning potential over time.

What buzzwords do Biochemistry graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Biochemistry?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biochemistry graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Penn State University 86 16
The Ohio State University 85 13
Georgia Institute of Technology 85 10
University of California San Diego 84 10
University of California, Santa Cruz 83 20
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 81 12
Binghamton University 81 10
University of California, Berkeley 80 35
Northeastern University 80 16
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 79 14
University of Massachusetts Amherst 77 16
Stony Brook University 76 13
University of California, Davis 75 34
North Carolina State University 74 11
Appalachian State University 73 10
Virginia Tech 73 18
University of Washington 71 51
University of Wisconsin-Madison 71 25
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 71 24
University of South Florida 70 17
University of California, Los Angeles 70 32
University of Michigan 70 16
San Francisco State University 70 14
Arizona State University 69 27
University of Florida 69 10
University of Arizona 69 16
Missouri State University 68 11
University of Colorado Boulder 66 15
University of California, Riverside 65 18
Boston University 65 10
Towson University 64 14
Boston College 63 13
Kennesaw State University 61 11
University of Oklahoma 61 11
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 60 14
Clemson University 60 13
The University of Texas at Austin 59 36
University of Connecticut 59 15
Temple University 58 10
The University of Texas at Dallas 56 10
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 49 10