Science & Research Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Chemist Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median chemist salary in Providence, RI is $89,413 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$89,413
vs State Avg
+$2,483
vs National
+$6,623
Cost of Living
108%

Chemist Pay in Providence: What to Expect (2026)

Providence offers a median chemist salary of $89,413, which is $2,483 above the Rhode Island state average of $86,930. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $51,840 at the 10th percentile to $153,360 at the 90th percentile — a $101,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,800. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level chemist earns around $54,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,000
+$4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,720
+$6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,800
+$10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $51,840
25th Percentile $66,960
Median (50th) $89,413
75th Percentile $117,720
90th Percentile $153,360

Chemist Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Providence

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Providence

Browse open chemist positions in Providence, RI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Providence

How much does a Chemist make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median chemist salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $89,413 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $51,840 (10th percentile) to $153,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,413, a chemist in Providence earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for chemist pay? ▼
Providence's median chemist salary of $89,413 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $86,930. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $89,413 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Providence? ▼
Most chemist positions in Providence 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.