Science & Research San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Chemist Salary in San Jose, California

The median chemist salary in San Jose, CA is $139,087 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$139,087
vs State Avg
+$24,837
vs National
+$56,297
Cost of Living
168%

Chemist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level chemist earns around $84,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $226,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,000
+$34,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$141,120
+$57,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$226,800
+$91,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $80,640
25th Percentile $104,160
Median (50th) $139,087
75th Percentile $183,120
90th Percentile $238,560

Chemist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$150,678
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$120,873
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$117,562
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$97,692
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Chemist in San Jose

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open chemist positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Chemist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median chemist salary in San Jose, California is $139,087 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $80,640 (10th percentile) to $238,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,087, a chemist in San Jose earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for chemist pay? ▼
San Jose's median chemist salary of $139,087 is 21.7% above the California state average of $114,250. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $139,087 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in San Jose? ▼
Most chemist positions in San Jose 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.