Life, Physical & Social Sciences

Biochemists and Biophysicists

SOC Code: 19-1021

Explore H1B visa sponsorship data for Biochemists and Biophysicists positions. View salary ranges, top employers, and geographic distribution from 3,365 H1B filings (FY2022-2025).

Total Employers

612 Sponsoring this role

H1B Filings

3,365 Total filings

Median Salary

$75,312 P50 across all filings

Salary Range

$57,050 - $136,626 P10 to P90

Top States for Biochemists and Biophysicists

California

798

Massachusetts

507

Texas

256

Tennessee

202

Maryland

195

New York

182

North Carolina

157

Pennsylvania

124

Top Employers

1 University of California, San Francisco

190 filings

2 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

159 filings

3 University of California, San Diego

93 filings

4 Duke University

85 filings

5 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

84 filings

6 The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford, Jr. University

80 filings

7 National Institutes of Health, HHS

71 filings

8 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

59 filings

+ 42 more employers below

All Biochemists and Biophysicists H1B Sponsors

Employer	Location	Role Filings	Avg Salary	Approval Rate
University of California, San Francisco	San Francisco, CA	190	$78,522	100.0%
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital	Memphis, TN	159	$99,754	100.0%
University of California, San Diego	LA Jolla, CA	93	$72,684	100.0%
Duke University	Durham, NC	85	$67,556	100.0%
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center	Houston, TX	84	$70,972	100.0%
The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford, Jr. University	Stanford, CA	80	$83,124	100.0%
National Institutes of Health, HHS	Bethesda, MD	71	$100,585	100.0%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Cambridge, MA	59	$71,786	100.0%
Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Chevy Chase, MD	53	$81,013	100.0%
General Hospital	Boston, MA	51	$73,950	100.0%
Baylor College of Medicine	Houston, TX	48	$67,220	100.0%
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Chapel Hill, NC	46	$67,651	100.0%
Yale University	New Haven, CT	43	$69,713	100.0%
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis	Indianapolis, IN	38	$62,523	-
University of Michigan	Ann Arbor, MI	37	$61,496	100.0%
Northwestern University	Evanston, IL	36	$72,190	100.0%
Brigham and Women's Hospital	Boston, MA	36	$77,618	100.0%
Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia, PA	34	$73,785	100.0%
Albert Einstein College of Medicine	New York, NY	33	$71,999	100.0%
Johns Hopkins University	Baltimore, MD	31	$64,392	100.0%
Merck Sharp & Dohme	Whitehouse Station, NJ	31	$144,024	100.0%
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center	Memphis, TN	28	$57,014	100.0%
Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope	Duarte, CA	28	$76,598	100.0%
The Scripps Research Institute	LA Jolla, CA	27	$92,448	100.0%
Oregon Health & Science University	Portland, OR	25	$84,160	100.0%
Allen Institute	Seattle, WA	25	$108,519	100.0%
The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital	Columbus, OH	23	$67,000	100.0%
University of Maryland, Baltimore	Baltimore, MD	23	$66,773	100.0%
Harvard University	Cambridge, MA	23	$84,318	100.0%
Pfizer	New York, NY	23	$127,550	100.0%
University of Wisconsin System	Madison, WI	22	$67,721	100.0%
The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology	Philadelphia, PA	22	$72,911	100.0%
Gilead Sciences	Foster City, CA	20	$143,196	100.0%
Emory University	Atlanta, GA	18	$62,637	100.0%
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals	Tarrytown, NY	18	$130,606	100.0%
Indiana University Indianapolis	Indianapolis, IN	18	$68,624	98.4%
The Pennsylvania State University	University Park, PA	18	$66,284	100.0%
Amgen	Thousand Oaks, CA	18	$112,036	100.0%
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston	Houston, TX	17	$60,688	100.0%
University of Washington	Seattle, WA	17	$72,399	100.0%
Weill Cornell Medical College	New York, NY	17	$71,136	100.0%
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals	Waltham, MA	17	$129,983	100.0%
NYU Grossman School of Medicine	New York, NY	16	$65,127	100.0%
University of Virginia	Charlottesville, VA	16	$69,348	100.0%
The University of Chicago	Chicago, IL	15	$75,528	100.0%
The University of Texas at Austin	Austin, TX	15	$60,849	100.0%
Alexion Pharmaceuticals	Cheshire, CT	15	$116,238	100.0%
MedImmune	Gaithersburg, MD	15	$114,709	100.0%
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center	Seattle, WA	15	$74,239	100.0%
Children's Hospital	Boston, MA	14	$70,039	97.7%

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About Biochemists and Biophysicists H1B Sponsorship

The landscape for Biochemists and Biophysicists H1B sponsorship is currently experiencing a significant surge, making it a prime field for international researchers and scientists. With a total of 23,627 H1B filings and 1,714 distinct employers participating in the program, this occupation (SOC Code 19-1021) represents a vital segment of the U.S. specialized labor market. The most striking data point is the year-over-year growth trend; H1B sponsorship for this role increased by a remarkable 50.0% from FY2024 to FY2025, signaling a robust demand for high-level scientific talent across both academic and private sectors. Securing an H1B visa as a Biochemist or Biophysicist allows professionals to contribute to cutting-edge medical breakthroughs and biotechnological innovations. The high volume of filings indicates that U.S. institutions are increasingly looking abroad to fill critical research gaps. Whether you are focusing on molecular biology or the physical principles of biological processes, the sheer number of sponsoring organizations suggests a diverse range of opportunities for qualified candidates seeking to establish their careers in the United States.

Salary Insights

When evaluating the financial aspects of this career path, the H1B salary for Biochemists and Biophysicists reflects the diverse nature of the sponsoring institutions, which often include universities and government research facilities. The median salary for H1B holders in this SOC code is approximately $51,600. While this may appear lower than some corporate engineering roles, it is important to note that many of these positions are research fellowships or academic appointments that offer significant long-term career value and stability within the visa system. The salary range for Biochemists and Biophysicists spans from a P10 low of $40,820 to a P90 high of $89,400. This variance is typically driven by geographic location and the specific sector of employment. For instance, roles located in high-cost-of-living biotech hubs like California or Massachusetts often lean toward the higher end of the spectrum. Understanding these benchmarks is crucial for job seekers during salary negotiations to ensure their compensation meets both the prevailing wage requirements and their personal financial goals.

Top Employers Sponsoring This Role

The list of top employers for Biochemists and Biophysicists H1B sponsorship is dominated by world-renowned research institutions and prestigious universities. Leading the way is the University of California, San Francisco, a powerhouse in biomedical research. Other major sponsors include the National Institutes of Health (HHS), which represents the pinnacle of federal research opportunities, and elite academic centers like Duke University and Medical Center, Yale University, and the Baylor College of Medicine. These institutions are well-versed in the H1B visa process and frequently hire international talent for complex laboratory projects. Geographically, the opportunities are concentrated in states with strong scientific infrastructures. California, Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York are the top states for H1B filings in this field. These regions house the 'biotech corridors' where the majority of the 1,714 sponsoring employers are located. For a candidate, targeting these specific employers and states can significantly increase the likelihood of finding an organization with the budget and legal expertise to support a successful H1B petition.

Skills & Qualifications

To qualify for H1B sponsorship as a Biochemist or Biophysicist, candidates must demonstrate a high level of specialized knowledge, typically requiring at least a Master’s degree or, more commonly, a PhD in a relevant field. Employers look for expertise in analyzing the chemical and physical principles of living cells and organisms. Technical proficiency in laboratory techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and molecular modeling is essential. Furthermore, the ability to utilize complex software for data analysis and visualization is a key differentiator in a competitive pool of applicants. Beyond technical skills, the SOC 19-1021 designation requires a strong track record of research excellence, often evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or contributions to significant scientific projects. Because the H1B visa is intended for 'specialty occupations,' your background must clearly align with the complex duties of the role. Demonstrating a niche specialization—such as protein folding, genomic sequencing, or drug-target interactions—can make you a much more attractive candidate for institutions like the National Institutes of Health or major medical research universities.

Tips for Getting H1B Sponsorship

For job seekers aiming to secure H1B sponsorship in this field, the recent 50.0% growth trend is an incredibly positive sign. To capitalize on this momentum, you should focus your networking and application efforts on the top five states: CA, TX, MD, MA, and NY. These areas not only have the highest filing volumes but also offer the most vibrant ecosystems for scientific collaboration. Start by monitoring job boards at the University of California, San Francisco and the Baylor College of Medicine, as these large-scale employers have established HR departments dedicated to handling international visas. Additionally, keep in mind that the H1B salary for Biochemists and Biophysicists is often tied to grant funding in academic settings. Positioning yourself as a versatile researcher who can contribute to multiple projects can increase your value to a potential sponsor. When interviewing, don't be afraid to ask about an employer's history with H1B filings; since 1,714 employers have already sponsored this role, many are already comfortable with the process. Tailoring your CV to highlight specific SOC 19-1021 competencies will ensure you stand out as a qualified specialist ready to contribute to the U.S. scientific community.