Science & Research Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Chemist Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median chemist salary in Silver Spring, MD is $101,004 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$101,004
vs State Avg
+$9,935
vs National
+$18,214
Cost of Living
122%

Chemist Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median chemist salary of $101,004, which is $9,935 above the Maryland state average of $91,069. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $101,004 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Silver Spring spans from $58,560 at the 10th percentile to $173,240 at the 90th percentile — a $114,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $164,700. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level chemist earns around $61,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $164,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,000
+$11,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,480
+$18,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$164,700
+$29,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $58,560
25th Percentile $75,640
Median (50th) $101,004
75th Percentile $132,980
90th Percentile $173,240

Chemist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$97,692
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$95,208
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$89,413
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$86,930
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Chemist in Silver Spring

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Silver Spring and the surrounding Maryland 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 Silver Spring may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open chemist positions in Silver Spring, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Chemist make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median chemist salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $101,004 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $58,560 (10th percentile) to $173,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,004, a chemist in Silver Spring earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for chemist pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median chemist salary of $101,004 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $91,069. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $101,004 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Silver Spring? ▼
Most chemist positions in Silver Spring 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.