Science & Research Chicago, IL
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Chemist Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median chemist salary in Chicago, IL is $88,585 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$88,585
vs State Avg
+$9,934
vs National
+$5,795
Cost of Living
107%
Chemist Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level chemist earns around $53,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,880
+$5,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,450
+$9,450 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,340 |
| Median (50th) | $88,585 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,630 |
| 90th Percentile | $151,940 |
Chemist Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Chemist in Chicago
Education
Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemist Jobs in Chicago
Browse open chemist positions in Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Chicago
How much does a Chemist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median chemist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $88,585 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $51,360 (10th percentile) to $151,940 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,585, a chemist in Chicago earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for chemist pay? ▼
Chicago's median chemist salary of $88,585 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $78,651. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $88,585 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Chicago? ▼
Most chemist positions in Chicago 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.