Science & Research Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Chemist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median chemist salary in Detroit, MI is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-1,656
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $1,656 below the Michigan state average of $74,511. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Detroit spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$86,930
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$74,511
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$72,855
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$71,199
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Chemist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open chemist positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Chemist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median chemist salary in Detroit, Michigan is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Detroit earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for chemist pay? ▼
Detroit's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $74,511. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Detroit? ▼
Most chemist positions in Detroit 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.