Science & Research San Antonio, TX Pop. 1,434,625

Chemist Salary in San Antonio, Texas

The median chemist salary in San Antonio, TX is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the Texas state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-3,312
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in San Antonio: What to Expect (2026)

San Antonio offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $3,312 below the Texas state average of $76,167. Compared to the national median of $82,790, San Antonio pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of San Antonio'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 San Antonio an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in San Antonio 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. As a major metro area with a population of 1,434,625, San Antonio typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in San Antonio by Experience

In San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, TX

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

Chemist Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$86,930
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$82,790
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$79,478
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$76,167
Pop. 918,915

How to Become a Chemist in San Antonio

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in San Antonio

Browse open chemist positions in San Antonio, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in San Antonio

How much does a Chemist make in San Antonio, TX? ▼
The median chemist salary in San Antonio, Texas 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 San Antonio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in San Antonio earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Antonio compare to the Texas state average for chemist pay? ▼
San Antonio's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 4.3% below the Texas state average of $76,167. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Antonio, TX? ▼
San Antonio has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in San Antonio has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in San Antonio? ▼
Most chemist positions in San Antonio 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.