Science & Research Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Chemist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median chemist salary in Sacramento, CA is $97,692 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$97,692
vs State Avg
$-16,558
vs National
+$14,902
Cost of Living
118%

Chemist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median chemist salary of $97,692, which is $16,558 below the California state average of $114,250. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $97,692 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Sacramento spans from $56,640 at the 10th percentile to $167,560 at the 90th percentile — a $110,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,300. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level chemist earns around $59,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,120
+$15,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,300
+$24,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $56,640
25th Percentile $73,160
Median (50th) $97,692
75th Percentile $128,620
90th Percentile $167,560

Chemist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$150,678
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$139,087
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$120,873
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$117,562
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Chemist in Sacramento

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open chemist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Chemist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Sacramento, California is $97,692 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $56,640 (10th percentile) to $167,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,692, a chemist in Sacramento earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for chemist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median chemist salary of $97,692 is 14.5% below the California state average of $114,250. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $97,692 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Sacramento? ▼
Most chemist positions in Sacramento 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.