Science & Research Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Chemist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median chemist salary in Reading, PA is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-6,623
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $6,623 below the Pennsylvania state average of $79,478. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Reading spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$84,446
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$77,823
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$76,995
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$69,544
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Chemist in Reading

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Reading

Browse open chemist positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Reading

How much does a Chemist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Reading earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for chemist pay? ▼
Reading's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $79,478. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Reading? ▼
Most chemist positions in Reading 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.