What Can You Do With a Biochemistry Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What careers can you pursue with a biochemistry degree?

A biochemistry degree can open doors to dozens of industries. From healthcare to tech startups, your training equips you with the analytical and problem-solving skills employers value most. 

Here are some of the most popular and impactful options you can explore:

• Biomedical Researcher: Work at the cutting edge of science, studying diseases and testing new treatments. This path often places you in universities, labs, or pharmaceutical companies.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Use your scientific expertise to promote and explain medical products. To focus on this path, see our list of accelerated online pharmacy technician certificate programs.
• Biotech Specialist: Help bring innovations like gene editing and personalized medicine to life. Many biochemistry grads find opportunities in both established companies and fast-growing startups.
• Clinical Scientist: Apply biochemical knowledge to diagnosing illnesses and developing better healthcare solutions. Hospitals and diagnostic centers are the most common workplaces.
• Forensic Scientist: Use biochemical techniques to analyze evidence and assist in solving crimes. This role blends science with public service in law enforcement or government labs.
• Science Communicator: Translate complex scientific concepts into accessible content for the public. This could be in media, publishing, or science policy advocacy.
• Environmental Scientist: Study pollutants, ecosystems, and sustainable practices to help protect the planet. Governments, NGOs, and private firms all hire for these roles. In fact, many of the same opportunities overlap with broader environmental science degree jobs, which include positions like conservation scientist, sustainability consultant, and environmental policy advisor.

A biochemistry degree can help you work in disciplines that shape the way we live. From advancing medicine to driving sustainable innovation, the work you do can leave a mark on both people and the planet. It’s a path that turns scientific curiosity into breakthroughs with real impact.

How does biochemistry compare to other science degrees?

Biochemistry borrows the precision of chemistry and the complexity of biology, while carving out a discipline all its own. Students often wonder how it stacks up against other science degrees before deciding which path to take. The truth is, each has its own strengths, depending on what excites you most about science. For example, prospective students sometimes ask broader questions like "what can you do with a natural sciences degree," since many science disciplines—including biochemistry—open doors to diverse career options in research, healthcare, education, and industry.

Here’s how biochemistry compares to some of the most common science majors:

• Biology: While biology explores living organisms broadly, biochemistry zooms in on the molecular and chemical processes that drive life.
• Chemistry: Chemistry focuses on matter, reactions, and the laws governing them. Biochemistry applies that foundation to living systems, connecting chemical reactions directly to cells, proteins, and DNA.
• Molecular Biology: Molecular biology digs deep into cellular mechanisms, while biochemistry adds a lens to those processes. If molecular biology tells you what’s happening, biochemistry often explains how it happens.
• Biomedical Science: Biomedical science centers on human health and disease, preparing students for clinical and medical research. Biochemistry offers a broader scope that includes agriculture and biotechnology.
• Biotechnology: Biotechnology is about applying science to create products, from medicines to biofuels. Biochemistry provides the foundational knowledge that makes those innovations possible.
• Microbiology: Microbiology focuses on organisms too small to see, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Meanwhile, biochemistry investigates the chemical principles shared by all forms of life. 

To enter the workforce at a much faster pace, we recommend checking out our list of the fastest biochemistry degree online programs. These accelerated options let you earn your degree in less time without compromising quality. 

What skills will you develop in a biochemistry degree?

A biochemistry degree isn’t just about memorizing molecules; it’s about learning how to think like a scientist. Along the way, you’ll sharpen both technical lab abilities and transferable skills that make you valuable in any industry. 

Here are some of the core skills you’ll gain during your studies:

• Mastery in Chemistry: Build a deep understanding of chemical reactions, molecular structures, and how they drive biological systems.
• Immunoassay: Gain hands-on experience with immunoassay techniques, a vital tool for detecting and measuring proteins, hormones, and pathogens.
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): Learn how to apply GMP standards, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance in the production of pharmaceuticals and biotech products.
• Analytical Thinking: Break down complex problems, interpret data, and draw accurate conclusions from experiments.
• Laboratory Techniques: Learn all practical and technical laboratory skills, from chromatography to protein assays. This will prepare you for roles in research, diagnostics, and product development.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy in experiments, reports, and research. In biochemistry, precision matters; one small error can change the outcome.

If you’re looking to build these abilities without breaking the bank, many affordable applied sciences programs online now offer flexible pathways to gain both the technical and transferable skills biochemists need.

To see how these competencies stack up in terms of importance, the chart below breaks down the most critical skills every biochemist should have:

What industries are hiring biochemistry degree graduates in 2025?

From healthcare to clean energy, employers are seeking biochemistry degree graduates who understand both the science and its real-world applications. In 2025, the demand for biochemistry talent is broader than ever.

Here are the industries most actively hiring biochemistry graduates:

• Pharmaceuticals: Drug discovery and development rely heavily on biochemists. From designing new therapies to running clinical trials, this industry offers some of the most lucrative and stable opportunities.
• Biotechnology: Startups and established firms alike are using biochemistry to drive breakthroughs in genetic engineering, personalized medicine, and synthetic biology.
• Healthcare: Hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research centers need biochemists to analyze samples, test treatments, and improve patient care. This sector offers both clinical and research-oriented roles.
• Agriculture and Food Science: Biochemists are advancing crop protection, food safety, and nutritional science. Their work ensures sustainable farming practices and healthier food systems.
• Environmental Science: With sustainability in focus, biochemists are studying pollution, renewable energy, and ecosystem health. See our list of accelerated online environmental science programs for more information.
• Academia and Research: Universities and independent research labs continue to hire biochemists for teaching and cutting-edge investigations. This path is ideal for those who want to push the boundaries of knowledge.

To see which sectors employ the largest share of biochemists, the chart below breaks down the top hiring industries in 2025:

How much can you earn with a biochemistry degree?

A biochemistry degree graduate can find jobs that pay well above the national average. Recent data from ZipRecruiter (n.d.) reveals a clear salary range that shows where graduates typically start, and how far they can grow. Comparisons are often made to health science bachelor degree careers, since both fields prepare graduates for versatile roles in research, healthcare, and industry, though salary outcomes can differ based on specialization and career path.

Here’s how the salary breakdown looks:

• Top Earners – $84,000: Professionals in senior research roles, leadership positions, or specialized industries can reach the upper tier of salaries. These jobs typically require advanced skills and years of experience.
• 75th Percentile – $67,500: Many mid-career biochemists working in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or government labs earn within this range. It reflects strong advancement without necessarily needing a PhD.
• Average – $60,610: The typical biochemistry graduate earns around this amount, balancing entry-level positions and higher-paying roles across industries. It’s a solid benchmark for new graduates planning their careers.
• 25th Percentile – $49,500: Entry-level roles or positions in smaller institutions often start here. With experience and specialization, salaries tend to climb quickly above this tier.

While entry-level positions provide a solid starting point, experience and specialization can significantly boost earnings over time. Ultimately, biochemistry offers both financial security and room for long-term growth.

Which certifications should you consider after earning a biochemistry degree?

Biochemistry certifications show that you’ve moved beyond classroom knowledge to master specialized lab and research skills. They demonstrate to employers that you’re ready for advanced roles in clinical labs, biotech, and pharmaceutical research while meeting strict industry standards. While these certifications are highly technical, it’s worth noting that in other areas of healthcare, shorter credentials -- such as those leading to jobs with a home health aide certificate -- can also create immediate entry points into the workforce, particularly for students who want hands-on patient care experience before or alongside advanced study.

For biochemistry degree graduates looking to stand out in research, healthcare, or applied sciences, these credentials can be career-defining:

• American Board of Clinical Biochemistry (ABCB): Highlights excellence in clinical biochemistry and requires both advanced study and practical experience.
• ASCLS Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS): Validates the skills needed to work in clinical laboratories, covering everything from chemistry and hematology to immunology.
• NCA-MLP Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): Tailored to those on the technician track, this credential tests knowledge of core laboratory sciences.
• ASBMB Certified Biochemist (CBiol): Recognizes achievement in biochemistry and molecular biology at an advanced level. It requires significant professional experience and a rigorous exam process.
• Registered Environmental Professional (REP) Certification: Highlights advanced expertise in environmental science, project management, biochemistry, and regulatory compliance, helping professionals stand out in environmental health and safety roles.

The opportunities for biochemistry graduates are only becoming more abundant. The biochemical industry was valued at $80.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to surge to $219.79 billion by 2034, expanding at an annual rate of 10.6%. With certifications in hand, graduates can position themselves at the forefront of this accelerating demand.

What graduate programs can I pursue with a biochemistry degree?

A biochemistry degree is a foundation for solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from curing disease to driving biotech innovation. A graduate degree builds on that foundation, giving you the chance to specialize, lead, and push the boundaries of science. 

Here are some of the most common graduate programs biochemistry graduates pursue:

• Master’s in Biochemistry: Builds advanced lab and research expertise in chemical and biological sciences. Prepares you for technical roles or further doctoral studies.
• Master’s in Molecular Biology: Focuses on genetics, cellular processes, and molecular mechanisms. Suited for careers in biotechnology, genomics, and biomedical research.
• Doctor of Pharmacy: Focuses on advanced studies in drug development, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Explore some of our shortest PharmD online programs for a faster entry into the field.
• Master of Public Health: Equips you to address population health, disease prevention, and policy. Ideal for those interested in the bigger picture of healthcare.
• MBA with a Biotechnology or Healthcare Focus: Blends business training with scientific knowledge. Opens opportunities in biotech startups, pharma leadership, and healthcare management.

The right graduate program will depend on whether you want to discover, heal, or lead, but every path builds on the same biochemical foundation.

What are the alternative career paths for biochemistry degree graduates?

Not every biochemistry degree graduate chooses the lab coat route. The analytical training, data fluency, and problem-solving skills you gain can unlock careers well outside the traditional lane. These left-field paths may surprise you, but they’re viable for biochem grads willing to think differently.

Here are some non-traditional career options to consider:

• Patent Examiner: Use your scientific background to review biotech and pharmaceutical patents. Strong knowledge of biochemistry helps you evaluate novelty and compliance with industry standards.
• Forensic Science Consultant: Apply biochemical techniques to crime scene analysis and evidence testing. This role blends science with law enforcement in high-stakes settings.
• Science Policy Analyst: Translate complex biochemical research into actionable insights for lawmakers. Your expertise ensures policy decisions are backed by accurate scientific understanding.
• Food Innovation Specialist: Work with food companies to develop plant-based proteins, supplements, or functional beverages. Biochemistry knowledge drives innovation in taste, nutrition, and safety.
• Technical Writer: Create documentation, manuals, or grant proposals for biotech and pharma organizations. Your ability to simplify complex concepts is invaluable for both researchers and the public.
• Cosmetic Formulation Scientist: Design and test skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products. Biochemical expertise is crucial in developing safe, effective, and marketable formulas.
• Environmental Consultant: Analyze pollutants, soil, and water systems for corporations or governments. Biochemistry provides the foundation to advise on sustainability and compliance.

These alternative paths prove that biochemistry isn’t limited to microscopes and lab benches. The same skills that decode molecules can also fuel breakthroughs in business, tech, and communication.

What is the job outlook for biochemistry degree graduates over the next 10 years?

The next decade looks promising for biochemistry degree graduates, with demand fueled by both scientific innovation and societal needs. From drug discovery to clean energy solutions, biochemists are positioned at the center of industries tackling the world’s biggest challenges.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Strong Job Growth: Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. 
• New Openings Each Year: About 3,100 openings for biochemistry-related roles are projected annually over the next decade.
• Healthcare Demand: An aging population will continue to drive the need for new drugs, treatments, and diagnostics.
• Biotech Beyond Medicine: Growth isn’t confined to healthcare; biochemists will also be vital in food innovation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental protection.

The bottom line here is that a biochemistry degree can serve as a launchpad for different kinds of careers. The coming decade will reward those who can adapt their skills to new frontiers and seize opportunities as science evolves.

What emerging industry trends are shaping biochemistry careers in 2025?

Biochemistry careers are being reshaped by breakthroughs at the intersection of biology, technology, and sustainability. From gene editing tools that rewrite DNA to AI platforms that decode complex data, the field is expanding in directions that seemed impossible a decade ago. 

Here are the most influential shifts driving biochemistry careers in 2025:

The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) Revolution 2.0

Gene editing has moved beyond cutting DNA to rewriting it with precision. According to Science Direct (2024), scientists are exploring therapies for complex diseases and even designing synthetic organisms for agriculture and medicine. Biochemists now find themselves at the center of both the CRISPR innovation and ethical debate.

When AI Meets the Lab Bench

Artificial intelligence is accelerating everything from protein folding predictions to virtual drug testing. Cutting-edge AI tools, such as DeepVariant, are transforming genetics by pinpointing disease-related variations with unprecedented speed and precision. Biochemists who can pair wet-lab skills with computational fluency are becoming indispensable.

Printing the Future of Medicine

Advances in 3D bioprinting and biomaterials are making lab-grown tissues and organs less science fiction and more reality (Exoswan, 2025). These technologies promise breakthroughs in transplants, regenerative medicine, and drug testing. Careers are opening at the crossroads of biology, engineering, and healthcare.

The Microbiome Gold Rush

Our inner ecosystems are emerging as powerful tools for medicine, from mood regulation to gut health. PLOS Biology (2024) reports that engineered microbes are being tested as living drugs, while environmental microbiomes are being tapped for sustainable farming and pollution cleanup. This new frontier is spawning roles across biotech and environmental science.

Green Biochemistry on the Rise

Sustainability has become a laboratory priority, with researchers engineering microbes to turn waste into energy, plastics, and food (MDPI, 2024). These innovations tackle climate change while creating new bio-based industries. For biochemists, it’s a chance to apply science directly to one of humanity’s biggest challenges.

For biochemistry degree graduates, the next decade promises not just steady demand, but opportunities to help write the playbook for how science meets society. Those ready to adapt and cross disciplines will be at the forefront of the breakthroughs that define the 21st century.

Here’s What Professionals Have to Say About Their Biochemistry Degrees

Other Things You Should Know About Pursuing a Biochemistry Degree

Are there opportunities in cosmetic science for biochemistry degree majors?

Yes. Cosmetic science relies heavily on biochemistry to understand how ingredients interact with skin, hair, and other tissues. Graduates can work on developing new skincare products, improving formulations, and ensuring product safety and efficacy.

Is a biochemistry degree a good foundation for medical research?

Absolutely. Biochemistry provides the molecular and cellular insights needed to investigate disease mechanisms, drug development, and genetic therapies. This foundation makes graduates well-prepared to pursue advanced research roles in labs, universities, or biotech companies.

Can a biochemistry degree help me launch a health-tech startup?

Yes, especially if your idea blends biology with technology. A biochemistry background equips you with the scientific knowledge to validate concepts and interpret data, which is crucial for innovation. Pairing that expertise with business or tech skills can position you to create impactful health-tech solutions.

What are the challenges of pursuing a career in biochemistry?

The field is rewarding but highly competitive. Many roles require advanced degrees, and staying current with rapidly evolving technology and research demands continuous learning. Balancing the intellectual challenge with long hours in labs or research settings can also be demanding.