Science & Research New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Chemist Salary in New York

The median chemist salary in New York is $101,004 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$101,004
vs National
+$18,214
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Chemist Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for chemists seeking high pay. At $101,004 per year, chemists in New York earn $18,214 more than the national median of $82,790.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $101,004 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $82,790.

The salary spread in New York is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $58,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $173,240 — a $114,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $154,817.

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 New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level chemist earns around $61,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $164,700 per year. The cost of living index in New York 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

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $101,004+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in New York

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

Chemist Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for chemists in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in New York

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in New York

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Chemists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $63,696 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Chemist Roles in New York?

Get matched with recruiters hiring chemists in New York at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in New York

How much does a Chemist make in New York? ▼
The median chemist salary in New York 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 New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,004, a chemist in New York earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for chemists? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $61,000, while senior professionals earn $164,700.
How does New York compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. New York's median of $101,004 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($111,767) and Alaska ($102,660).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level chemist in New York earns approximately $61,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $102,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $164,700.
What city in New York pays chemists the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for chemists, with a median salary of $154,817. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.