Science & Research
Chemist Salary
Chemists study substances and reactions to develop new products and processes.
Median Salary
$82,790
Mean Salary
$89,700
Total Employed
91,100
Job Growth
+5%
Chemist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level chemists earn around $50,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $84,000. Senior-level chemists can earn $135,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for chemists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $48,000, while the top 10% earn $142,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $82,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $142,000 |
Chemist Salary by State
Chemist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $140,743, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $68,716.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $140,743 | Details → |
| #2 California | $114,250 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $111,767 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $102,660 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $101,004 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $95,208 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $95,208 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $92,725 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $91,069 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $91,069 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $86,930 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $86,930 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $86,930 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $86,102 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $83,618 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $83,618 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $81,134 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $81,134 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $80,306 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $80,306 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $80,306 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $80,306 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $79,478 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $78,651 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $78,651 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $77,823 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $76,995 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $76,995 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $76,167 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $76,167 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $76,167 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $76,167 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $75,339 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $74,511 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $74,511 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $74,511 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $74,511 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $74,511 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $73,683 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $73,683 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $73,683 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $72,855 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $72,855 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $72,027 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $72,027 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $72,027 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $71,199 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $69,544 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $69,544 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $68,716 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Conduct chemical experiments
- ● Develop new formulations
- ● Test product quality
- ● Write research reports
- ● Operate laboratory equipment
Top Skills
Analytical Chemistry Lab Techniques Spectroscopy HPLC Quality Control Research Methods
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
Faster than average — projected 5% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chemist Salaries
How much does a Chemist make per year? ▼
The median chemist salary in the United States is $82,790 per year. Entry-level positions start around $50,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $135,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $89,700.
How much does a Chemist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $82,790 per year, a chemist earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for chemists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for chemists, with a median salary of $140,743. Other top-paying states include California ($114,250) and Massachusetts ($111,767).
What education do you need to become a chemist? ▼
Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for chemists? ▼
Employment for chemists is projected to grow 5% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 91,100 chemists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level chemist make? ▼
An entry-level chemist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $50,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $84,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $48,000, while the top 10% earn $142,000.