Science & Research Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Chemist Salary in Austin, Texas

The median chemist salary in Austin, TX is $86,930 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$86,930
vs State Avg
+$10,763
vs National
+$4,140
Cost of Living
105%

Chemist Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median chemist salary of $86,930, which is $10,763 above the Texas state average of $76,167. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin'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 Austin 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. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, 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 Austin, TX

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

Chemist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Austin

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Austin

Browse open chemist positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Austin

How much does a Chemist make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median chemist salary in Austin, Texas 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 Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,930, a chemist in Austin earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for chemist pay? ▼
Austin's median chemist salary of $86,930 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $76,167. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $86,930 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Austin? ▼
Most chemist positions in Austin 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.