Science & Research Naperville, IL Pop. 149,540

Chemist Salary in Naperville, Illinois

The median chemist salary in Naperville, IL is $89,413 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 13.7% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$89,413
vs State Avg
+$10,762
vs National
+$6,623
Cost of Living
108%

Chemist Pay in Naperville: What to Expect (2026)

Naperville offers a median chemist salary of $89,413, which is $10,762 above the Illinois state average of $78,651. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Naperville pays above average for this role.

Naperville's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chemists in Naperville spans from $51,840 at the 10th percentile to $153,360 at the 90th percentile — a $101,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,800. With a population of 149,540, Naperville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Naperville by Experience

In Naperville, an entry-level chemist earns around $54,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,000
+$4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,720
+$6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,800
+$10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Naperville, IL

Percentile Naperville
10th Percentile $51,840
25th Percentile $66,960
Median (50th) $89,413
75th Percentile $117,720
90th Percentile $153,360

Chemist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Naperville

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Naperville

Browse open chemist positions in Naperville, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Naperville

How much does a Chemist make in Naperville, IL? ▼
The median chemist salary in Naperville, Illinois is $89,413 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $51,840 (10th percentile) to $153,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Naperville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,413, a chemist in Naperville earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Naperville compare to the Illinois state average for chemist pay? ▼
Naperville's median chemist salary of $89,413 is 13.7% above the Illinois state average of $78,651. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Naperville, IL? ▼
Naperville has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $89,413 in Naperville has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Naperville? ▼
Most chemist positions in Naperville 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.