Science & Research Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Chemist Salary in Virginia

The median chemist salary in Virginia is $86,102 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$86,102
vs National
+$3,312
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Chemist Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level chemist earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,400 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,360
+$3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,400
+$5,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $49,920
25th Percentile $64,480
Median (50th) $86,102
75th Percentile $113,360
90th Percentile $147,680

Chemist Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for chemists in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Virginia Beach, VA
$84,446
Pop. 449,974 · COL 102%
Norfolk, VA
$79,478
Pop. 238,005 · COL 96%
Richmond, VA
$82,790
Pop. 226,610 · COL 100%
Arlington, VA
$109,283
Pop. 238,643 · COL 132%
Chesapeake, VA
$81,134
Pop. 249,422 · COL 98%

How to Become a Chemist in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Virginia

Browse open chemist positions in Virginia:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Virginia

How much does a Chemist make in Virginia? ▼
The median chemist salary in Virginia is $86,102 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $49,920 (10th percentile) to $147,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,102, a chemist in Virginia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for chemists? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $52,000, while senior professionals earn $140,400.
How does Virginia compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Virginia's median of $86,102 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($86,930) and Rhode Island ($86,930).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Virginia earns approximately $52,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $140,400.
What city in Virginia pays chemists the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for chemists, with a median salary of $109,283. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.