Science & Research Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Chemist Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median chemist salary in Portland, OR is $97,692 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$97,692
vs State Avg
+$6,623
vs National
+$14,902
Cost of Living
118%

Chemist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level chemist earns around $59,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,120
+$15,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,300
+$24,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $56,640
25th Percentile $73,160
Median (50th) $97,692
75th Percentile $128,620
90th Percentile $167,560

Chemist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Portland

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Portland

Browse open chemist positions in Portland, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Portland

How much does a Chemist make in Portland, OR?
The median chemist salary in Portland, Oregon is $97,692 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $56,640 (10th percentile) to $167,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Portland?
Based on the median annual salary of $97,692, a chemist in Portland earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for chemist pay?
Portland's median chemist salary of $97,692 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $91,069. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR?
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $97,692 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Portland?
Most chemist positions in Portland 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.