Science & Research Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Chemist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median chemist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $84,446 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$84,446
vs State Avg
+$4,968
vs National
+$1,656
Cost of Living
102%

Chemist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median chemist salary of $84,446, which is $4,968 above the Pennsylvania state average of $79,478. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chemists in Philadelphia spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $144,840 at the 90th percentile — a $95,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,700. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA

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

Chemist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$77,823
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$76,995
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$72,855
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$69,544
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Chemist in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open chemist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Chemist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,446, a chemist in Philadelphia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for chemist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median chemist salary of $84,446 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $79,478. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $84,446 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most chemist positions in Philadelphia 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.