Science & Research Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Chemist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median chemist salary in Boston, MA is $125,841 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$125,841
vs State Avg
+$14,074
vs National
+$43,051
Cost of Living
152%

Chemist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median chemist salary of $125,841, which is $14,074 above the Massachusetts state average of $111,767. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $125,841 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Boston spans from $72,960 at the 10th percentile to $215,840 at the 90th percentile — a $142,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $205,200. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level chemist earns around $76,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $205,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,000
+$26,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,680
+$43,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$205,200
+$70,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $72,960
25th Percentile $94,240
Median (50th) $125,841
75th Percentile $165,680
90th Percentile $215,840

Chemist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$132,464
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$91,069
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$86,930
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$81,134
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Chemist in Boston

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Boston

Browse open chemist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Boston

How much does a Chemist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $125,841 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $72,960 (10th percentile) to $215,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,841, a chemist in Boston earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for chemist pay? ▼
Boston's median chemist salary of $125,841 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $111,767. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $125,841 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Boston? ▼
Most chemist positions in Boston 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.