Science & Research Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Chemist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median chemist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $120,873 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$120,873
vs State Avg
+$6,623
vs National
+$38,083
Cost of Living
146%

Chemist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median chemist salary of $120,873, which is $6,623 above the California state average of $114,250. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $120,873 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Los Angeles spans from $70,080 at the 10th percentile to $207,320 at the 90th percentile — a $137,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,100. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level chemist earns around $73,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,000
+$23,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,640
+$38,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,100
+$62,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $70,080
25th Percentile $90,520
Median (50th) $120,873
75th Percentile $159,140
90th Percentile $207,320

Chemist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$150,678
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$139,087
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$117,562
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$97,692
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Chemist in Los Angeles

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open chemist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Chemist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Los Angeles, California is $120,873 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $70,080 (10th percentile) to $207,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,873, a chemist in Los Angeles earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for chemist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median chemist salary of $120,873 is 5.8% above the California state average of $114,250. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $120,873 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most chemist positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.