Science & Research Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Chemist Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median chemist salary in Cleveland, OH is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$71,199
vs State Avg
$-3,312
vs National
$-11,591
Cost of Living
86%

Chemist Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median chemist salary of $71,199, which is $3,312 below the Ohio state average of $74,511. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH

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

Chemist Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Cleveland

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open chemist positions in Cleveland, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Chemist make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median chemist salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,199, a chemist in Cleveland earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for chemist pay? ▼
Cleveland's median chemist salary of $71,199 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $74,511. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $71,199 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Cleveland? ▼
Most chemist positions in Cleveland 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.