Molecular biologist vs biochemist

The differences between molecular biologists and biochemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a molecular biologist, becoming a biochemist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a molecular biologist has an average salary of $73,763, which is higher than the $72,910 average annual salary of a biochemist.

The top three skills for a molecular biologist include CRISPR, next-generation sequencing and cell culture. The most important skills for a biochemist are chemistry, immunoassay, and elisa.

Molecular biologist vs biochemist overview

	Molecular Biologist	Biochemist
Yearly salary	$73,763	$72,910
Hourly rate	$35.46	$35.05
Growth rate	17%	15%
Number of jobs	22,019	16,016
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	8	6

What does a molecular biologist do?

A molecular biologist is a specialist who explores and studies the complex functions of cells on a molecular level as well as the biological laws governing the operations of each cellular component. To conduct research and academic activities, molecular biologists use equipment such as microscopes, lab centrifuges, and computers with software that allows the analysis of obtained data. They are required to develop a new way to test the validity of drugs that are used to stimulate safe gene growth and fight off disease. Molecular biologists must also conduct workshops and practical demonstrations in universities and governmental agencies.

What does a biochemist do?

A biochemist is responsible for researching biological processes and the components of organisms to diagnose possible diseases and develop medication solutions for various illnesses and genetic disorders. Biochemists also contribute resources for environmental sustainability that would help the agricultural industry prevent afflictions. They conduct an in-depth analysis of complex projects and manage laboratory investigations while following strict protocols and safety regulations. A biochemist organizes research papers and present studies to other scientists and medical professionals for recommendations or possible further experiments.

Molecular biologist vs biochemist salary

Molecular biologists and biochemists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Molecular Biologist	Biochemist
Average salary	$73,763	$72,910
Salary range	Between $52,000 And $104,000	Between $47,000 And $110,000
Highest paying City	Urban Honolulu, HI	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Connecticut
Best paying company	Novartis	Genentech
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between molecular biologist and biochemist education

There are a few differences between a molecular biologist and a biochemist in terms of educational background:

	Molecular Biologist	Biochemist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Biology	Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology
Most common college	Harvard University	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Molecular biologist vs biochemist demographics

Here are the differences between molecular biologists' and biochemists' demographics:

	Molecular Biologist	Biochemist
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1%	Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 17.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between molecular biologist and biochemist duties and responsibilities

Molecular biologist example responsibilities.

Provide oversight for FDA inspections.
Present results in monthly HTS and data meeting.
Perform instrument, primers and reagent validations utilize in RT-PCR.
Develop and perform assays for testing samples using ELISA and PCR technology.
Used molecular techniques such as RNA and DNA isolation, RT-PCR, and qPCR.
Play a lead role in developing, optimizing and validating ELISA and ELISA microarrays.

Biochemist example responsibilities.

Manage laboratories and perform clinical research in diabetic and thyroid disease states.
Design fit-for-purpose assays to track various peptide biomarkers in support of clinical studies.
Determine serotype of putative viral infections in clinical samples utilizing RNA extraction and RT-PCR sequencing techniques.
Provide early involvement and target support for clinical identification of biomarkers involving gene expression profiling, proteomics, and immunohistochemistry.
Compile and process data in LIMs or other validate spreadsheets.
Perform patient sample correlations, interference, ANOVA and stability testing.

Molecular biologist vs biochemist skills

Common molecular biologist skills

CRISPR, 8%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 7%
Cell Culture, 6%
Lab Equipment, 6%
Molecular Biology Techniques, 5%
Extraction, 5%

Common biochemist skills

Chemistry, 17%
Immunoassay, 9%
Elisa, 7%
GMP, 5%
Data Analysis, 5%
Test Results, 5%

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Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologist vs Biochemist

Updated January 8, 2025

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