Science & Research San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Chemist Salary in San Diego, California

The median chemist salary in San Diego, CA is $117,562 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$117,562
vs State Avg
+$3,312
vs National
+$34,772
Cost of Living
142%

Chemist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median chemist salary of $117,562, which is $3,312 above the California state average of $114,250. Compared to the national median of $82,790, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $117,562 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in San Diego spans from $68,160 at the 10th percentile to $201,640 at the 90th percentile — a $133,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $191,700. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level chemist earns around $71,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $191,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,000
+$21,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,280
+$35,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$191,700
+$56,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $68,160
25th Percentile $88,040
Median (50th) $117,562
75th Percentile $154,780
90th Percentile $201,640

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
Sacramento, CA
$97,692
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Chemist in San Diego

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open chemist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Chemist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median chemist salary in San Diego, California is $117,562 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $68,160 (10th percentile) to $201,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,562, a chemist in San Diego earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for chemist pay? ▼
San Diego's median chemist salary of $117,562 is 2.9% above the California state average of $114,250. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $117,562 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in San Diego? ▼
Most chemist positions in San Diego 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.