Science & Research Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Chemist Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median chemist salary in Salem, OR is $84,446 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$84,446
vs State Avg
$-6,623
vs National
+$1,656
Cost of Living
102%

Chemist Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level chemist earns around $51,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,000
+$1,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,680
+$1,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,700
+$2,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $48,960
25th Percentile $63,240
Median (50th) $84,446
75th Percentile $111,180
90th Percentile $144,840

Chemist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Salem

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Salem

Browse open chemist positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Salem

How much does a Chemist make in Salem, OR?
The median chemist salary in Salem, Oregon is $84,446 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $144,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Salem?
Based on the median annual salary of $84,446, a chemist in Salem earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for chemist pay?
Salem's median chemist salary of $84,446 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $91,069. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR?
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $84,446 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Salem?
Most chemist positions in 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.