Science & Research Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Chemist Salary in Ohio

The median chemist salary in Ohio is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$74,511
vs National
$-8,279
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Chemist Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. Chemist salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $74,511 per year, chemists in Ohio earn $8,279 less than the national median of $82,790.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $74,511 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $43,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $127,800 — a $84,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $78,651.

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 Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level chemist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,500 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,500
$-13,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $74,511
75th Percentile $98,100
90th Percentile $127,800

Chemist Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for chemists in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Ohio

How much does a Chemist make in Ohio? ▼
The median chemist salary in Ohio is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $127,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,511, a chemist in Ohio earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for chemists? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $45,000, while senior professionals earn $121,500.
How does Ohio compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Ohio's median of $74,511 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($74,511) and North Dakota ($74,511).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Ohio earns approximately $45,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $121,500.
What city in Ohio pays chemists the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for chemists, with a median salary of $78,651. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.