Science & Research Maine (ME) Rank #18 of 50

Chemist Salary in Maine

The median chemist salary in Maine is $81,134 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$81,134
vs National
$-1,656
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Chemist Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for chemist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $81,134 per year, chemists in Maine earn $1,656 less than the national median of $82,790.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning chemist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $47,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $139,160 — a $92,120 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $89,413.

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemists across the country.

Chemist Salary in Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level chemist earns around $49,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,300 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,320
$-1,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,300
$-2,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $60,760
Median (50th) $81,134
75th Percentile $106,820
90th Percentile $139,160

Chemist Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for chemists in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in Maine

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Maine has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Maine

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Maine's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Maine

How much does a Chemist make in Maine? ▼
The median chemist salary in Maine is $81,134 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $139,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,134, a chemist in Maine earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for chemists? ▼
Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $49,000, while senior professionals earn $132,300.
How does Maine compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Maine's median of $81,134 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Vermont ($83,618) and Florida ($81,134).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Maine earns approximately $49,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $132,300.
What city in Maine pays chemists the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for chemists, with a median salary of $89,413. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.