Science & Research Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Chemist Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median chemist salary in Jersey City, NJ is $105,971 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$105,971
vs State Avg
+$10,763
vs National
+$23,181
Cost of Living
128%

Chemist Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median chemist salary of $105,971, which is $10,763 above the New Jersey state average of $95,208. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $105,971 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Jersey City spans from $61,440 at the 10th percentile to $181,760 at the 90th percentile — a $120,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,800. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level chemist earns around $64,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,000
+$14,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,520
+$23,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,800
+$37,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $61,440
25th Percentile $79,360
Median (50th) $105,971
75th Percentile $139,520
90th Percentile $181,760

Chemist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Edison, NJ
$95,208
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$92,725
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$89,413
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$86,930
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Chemist in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open chemist positions in Jersey City, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Chemist make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median chemist salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $105,971 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $61,440 (10th percentile) to $181,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,971, a chemist in Jersey City earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for chemist pay? ▼
Jersey City's median chemist salary of $105,971 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $95,208. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $105,971 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Jersey City? ▼
Most chemist positions in Jersey City 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.