Science & Research Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Chemist Salary in Pennsylvania

The median chemist salary in Pennsylvania is $79,478 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$79,478
vs National
$-3,312
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Chemist Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level chemist earns around $48,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,600 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,640
$-3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,600
$-5,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $46,080
25th Percentile $59,520
Median (50th) $79,478
75th Percentile $104,640
90th Percentile $136,320

Chemist Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for chemists in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Philadelphia, PA
$84,446
Pop. 1,603,797 · COL 102%
Pittsburgh, PA
$76,995
Pop. 302,971 · COL 93%
Allentown, PA
$77,823
Pop. 126,092 · COL 94%
Reading, PA
$72,855
Pop. 95,112 · COL 88%
Erie, PA
$69,544
Pop. 94,831 · COL 84%

How to Become a Chemist in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Pennsylvania

Browse open chemist positions in Pennsylvania:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Chemist make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median chemist salary in Pennsylvania is $79,478 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $46,080 (10th percentile) to $136,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,478, a chemist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for chemists? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $48,000, while senior professionals earn $129,600.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Pennsylvania's median of $79,478 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($80,306) and Utah ($80,306).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Pennsylvania earns approximately $48,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $129,600.
What city in Pennsylvania pays chemists the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for chemists, with a median salary of $84,446. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.