Science & Research Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Chemist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median chemist salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$71,199
vs State Avg
$-4,968
vs National
$-11,591
Cost of Living
86%

Chemist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median chemist salary of $71,199, which is $4,968 below the North Carolina state average of $76,167. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,199 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Winston-Salem spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $122,120 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,100. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level chemist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,100
$-18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,320
Median (50th) $71,199
75th Percentile $93,740
90th Percentile $122,120

Chemist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$81,134
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$81,134
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$78,651
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$72,855
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Chemist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open chemist positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Chemist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median chemist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $122,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,199, a chemist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for chemist pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median chemist salary of $71,199 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $76,167. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $71,199 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most chemist positions in Winston-Salem 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.