Science & Research California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Chemist Salary in California

The median chemist salary in California is $114,250 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$114,250
vs National
+$31,460
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Chemist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level chemist earns around $69,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,300 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,000
+$19,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,920
+$31,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,300
+$51,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $66,240
25th Percentile $85,560
Median (50th) $114,250
75th Percentile $150,420
90th Percentile $195,960

Chemist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for chemists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$120,873
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$150,678
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$117,562
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$139,087
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$97,692
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Chemist in California

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Chemist Jobs in California

Browse open chemist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in California

How much does a Chemist make in California? ▼
The median chemist salary in California is $114,250 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $66,240 (10th percentile) to $195,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,250, a chemist in California earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for chemists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $69,000, while senior professionals earn $186,300.
How does California compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. California's median of $114,250 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($140,743) and Massachusetts ($111,767).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level chemist in California earns approximately $69,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $115,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $186,300.
What city in California pays chemists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for chemists, with a median salary of $150,678. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.