Science & Research Mount Pleasant, SC Pop. 94,171

Chemist Salary in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The median chemist salary in Mount Pleasant, SC is $86,930 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 18.0% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$86,930
vs State Avg
+$13,247
vs National
+$4,140
Cost of Living
105%

Chemist Pay in Mount Pleasant: What to Expect (2026)

Mount Pleasant offers a median chemist salary of $86,930, which is $13,247 above the South Carolina state average of $73,683. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Mount Pleasant pays above average for this role.

Mount Pleasant's cost of living is 105% 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 Mount Pleasant spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $149,100 at the 90th percentile — a $98,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,500, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,750. Mount Pleasant is a smaller market (pop. 94,171), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Mount Pleasant by Experience

In Mount Pleasant, an entry-level chemist earns around $52,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
+$4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,750
+$6,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mount Pleasant, SC

Percentile Mount Pleasant
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $65,100
Median (50th) $86,930
75th Percentile $114,450
90th Percentile $149,100

Chemist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Charleston, SC
$82,790
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$78,651
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$76,167
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$74,511
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Chemist in Mount Pleasant

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Mount Pleasant and the surrounding South Carolina 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 Mount Pleasant may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Mount Pleasant

Browse open chemist positions in Mount Pleasant, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Mount Pleasant

How much does a Chemist make in Mount Pleasant, SC? ▼
The median chemist salary in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina is $86,930 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $149,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Mount Pleasant? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,930, a chemist in Mount Pleasant earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mount Pleasant compare to the South Carolina state average for chemist pay? ▼
Mount Pleasant's median chemist salary of $86,930 is 18.0% above the South Carolina state average of $73,683. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mount Pleasant, SC? ▼
Mount Pleasant has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $86,930 in Mount Pleasant has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Mount Pleasant? ▼
Most chemist positions in Mount Pleasant 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.