Science & Research Texas (TX) Rank #30 of 50

Chemist Salary in Texas

The median chemist salary in Texas is $76,167 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$76,167
vs National
$-6,623
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Chemist Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. Chemist salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $76,167 per year, chemists in Texas earn $6,623 less than the national median of $82,790.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $76,167 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $44,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $130,640 — a $86,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $86,930.

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemists across the country.

Chemist Salary in Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level chemist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-10,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,040
Median (50th) $76,167
75th Percentile $100,280
90th Percentile $130,640

Chemist Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for chemists in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Texas

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

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Data shows Chemists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $48,033 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Texas

How much does a Chemist make in Texas? ▼
The median chemist salary in Texas is $76,167 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $130,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,167, a chemist in Texas earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for chemists? ▼
Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $46,000, while senior professionals earn $124,200.
How does Texas compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Texas's median of $76,167 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($76,995) and North Carolina ($76,167).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Texas earns approximately $46,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $77,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,200.
What city in Texas pays chemists the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for chemists, with a median salary of $86,930. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.