Science & Research Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Chemist Salary in Maryland

The median chemist salary in Maryland is $91,069 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$91,069
vs National
+$8,279
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Chemist Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for chemists seeking high pay. At $91,069 per year, chemists in Maryland earn $8,279 more than the national median of $82,790.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $91,069 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $82,790.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $52,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $156,200 — a $103,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $101,004.

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 Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level chemist earns around $55,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,500 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,500
+$13,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $68,200
Median (50th) $91,069
75th Percentile $119,900
90th Percentile $156,200

Chemist Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for chemists in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in Maryland

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Maryland

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Maryland

How much does a Chemist make in Maryland? ▼
The median chemist salary in Maryland is $91,069 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $156,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,069, a chemist in Maryland earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for chemists? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $55,000, while senior professionals earn $148,500.
How does Maryland compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Maryland's median of $91,069 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($95,208) and Connecticut ($92,725).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Maryland earns approximately $55,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $92,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $148,500.
What city in Maryland pays chemists the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for chemists, with a median salary of $101,004. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.